Manny Ita –
Members of the UK Parliament have called on the British government to raise concerns about the security crisis and human rights situation in Nigeria during the upcoming visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
The lawmakers, writing through the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief, sent a letter to the UK Development Minister, Jenny Chapman, Baroness Chapman of Darlington, urging the government to ensure that the issues of religious persecution, violent attacks on communities and widespread kidnappings are raised during talks between Tinubu and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
President Tinubu is expected to meet Starmer at 10 Downing Street later this week as part of an official state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Nigerian president in nearly four decades.
In the letter, members of the parliamentary group expressed concern over what they described as a worsening security environment in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly attacks on religious communities and the continued threat posed by armed groups and kidnappers.
The lawmakers said the British government should use the diplomatic engagement to encourage stronger measures to protect civilians and uphold fundamental freedoms.
“We urge the government to ensure that human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, are raised during discussions with the Nigerian authorities,” the lawmakers said in the letter.
They noted that attacks targeting communities on religious grounds, along with the rising number of kidnappings across several northern states, had created deep humanitarian and security concerns.
The parliamentarians also said the UK, as a longstanding partner of Nigeria, had a responsibility to engage constructively with the Nigerian government on the protection of vulnerable populations.
“Nigeria is a key partner for the United Kingdom in Africa, but partnership must also include frank discussions about the protection of human rights and the safety of all communities,” the group stated.
Analysts say Tinubu’s visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in areas such as trade, security cooperation, investment and development assistance.
However, rights groups and lawmakers have increasingly urged Western governments to use diplomatic engagements with Nigeria to press for improvements in security, accountability and the protection of civil liberties.
Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, including insurgency in the northeast, banditry and mass kidnappings in the northwest, and communal violence in parts of the central region.
The upcoming meeting between Tinubu and Starmer is therefore expected to take place against the backdrop of growing international scrutiny over how the Nigerian government is addressing these challenges.
Diplomatic observers say the visit also carries symbolic significance, as it will mark the first state visit by a Nigerian president to the United Kingdom in 37 years, reflecting the longstanding political, economic and historical ties between the two countries.
Officials from both governments are expected to discuss areas of cooperation while also addressing broader regional security concerns affecting West Africa.
