A cross-party group of United Kingdom parliamentarians has urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to directly raise concerns about the ongoing persecution and killings of Christians in Nigeria during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's upcoming state visit to the UK the first such visit by a Nigerian leader in nearly four decades.
Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB) have sent a formal letter to Development Minister Baroness Jenny Chapman, calling on the UK Government to press President Tinubu on the need for stronger human rights protections, particularly for religious minorities in Nigeria.
The letter, signed by 209 MPs and peers, expresses deep concern that the Nigerian authorities have not treated attacks on Christian communities with the required seriousness.
It highlights persistent reports of harassment, violence, and killings, and stresses the importance of concrete action to prevent such incidents, ensure thorough investigations, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Jim Shannon MP, Chairman of the APPG FoRB and a Democratic Unionist Party member, stated: “Nigeria must take concrete steps to prevent the harassment, persecution and killing of Christians, while ensuring that perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted. The UK has a responsibility to raise these serious human rights issues at the highest level during this historic state visit.”
The call comes amid longstanding international concerns about religious violence in Nigeria, where thousands of Christians have reportedly been killed in recent years due to attacks often linked to armed groups, communal conflicts, and inadequate state response. Advocacy organizations have repeatedly ranked Nigeria among the most dangerous places for Christians globally.
The state visit provides a critical opportunity for constructive dialogue on these matters, alongside broader discussions on bilateral ties, trade, security cooperation, and development.
The APPG FoRB remains committed to advocating for freedom of religion or belief worldwide and urges the UK Government to prioritize these issues in its engagement with international partners.