Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Nigeria: Religious and Other Violence

Tuesday 30 November 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • John Cryer inquired about discussions on religious and other violence in Nigeria with the Nigerian counterpart, but the Minister did not provide specific details on these discussions.
  • John Cryer also asked about the UK's intentions to inquire about the Nigerian Government's efforts to protect their citizens during future meetings, highlighting concerns over human rights abuses.
  • Edward Leigh expressed concern over the lack of publicity regarding violence against Christians in Nigeria and called for more pressure on the Nigerian Government to address these issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Cryer Lab
Community Security Foreign Affairs
Context

The question follows discussions on the increasing levels of religious and other types of violence in Nigeria, impacting citizens including those with relatives in the UK. The context includes global efforts to combat poverty and promote equality.

Question

What discussions has she had with her Nigerian counterpart on the increasing levels of (a) religious violence and (b) other violence in that country?

Answer from Vicky Ford

The UK is committed to the global fight against poverty and promoting equality, spending over £10 billion of aid in 2021 despite the pandemic's impact. We review project impacts through the spending cycle for future decisions. However, she did not provide specific details on discussions with Nigerian counterparts regarding violence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specifics on discussions or engagements related to religious and other forms of violence in Nigeria

How: We Remain One Of The Largest Official Development Assistance Spenders

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Q2 John Cryer Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

The question follows up on a previous query about discussions with Nigerian counterparts. It references constituents whose relatives have been victims of violence, highlighting concerns over clarity regarding the government's actions.

Question

When she meets the Nigerian Foreign Minister in the future—I hope she does so in the near future and repeatedly—will she ask exactly what the Nigerian Government are doing to protect their own citizens? Many of us have constituents with relatives in Nigeria who have been the victims of torture, rape and murder, and at the moment exactly what the Nigerian Government are doing does not seem particularly clear.

Answer from Vicky Ford

Nigeria faces serious security challenges including terrorism, intercommunal conflicts, and criminal banditry. The UK-Nigeria security and defence dialogue next month will discuss cooperation on human rights, counter-terrorism, and organised crime to address these issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific actions taken by the Nigerian Government to protect their citizens from violence

How: Nigeria Faces Multiple Serious And Complex Security Challenges

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Q3 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The question addresses the lack of publicity on Christian persecution in Nigeria, suggesting a need for more pressure on the Nigerian Government and proclaiming black lives matter universally.

Question

Is it not extremely regrettable that there is virtually no publicity in the west about what is happening to Christians in Nigeria, amounting almost to genocide? Can we not put more pressure on the Nigerian Government, and can we not proclaim the fact that black lives matter everywhere, not just in the west?

Answer from Vicky Ford

Islamic State West Africa and Boko Haram cause immense suffering to Christians and others who do not subscribe to their extremist views. We condemn intercommunal violence in Nigeria, which is complex due to land competition, criminality, and government failures. The British high commissioner works closely with state governors, community leaders, and NGOs for peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: increasing pressure on the Nigerian Government and publicizing Christian persecution

How: The Root Causes Are Extremely Complex

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