Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Nigeria: Sanctions Regime — [James Gray in the Chair]

23 November 2020 · 8 other contributors · 10,915 words

Opened by Theresa Villiers Con Chipping Barnet

Responding minister: Not recorded

Foreign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Theresa Villiers raised concerns about nigeria: sanctions regime — [james gray in the chair] in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Lead MP raises concerns about protests in Nigeria against police brutality and human rights abuses.
  • Lead MP highlights a video that sparked nationwide demonstrations and calls for disbanding SARS.
  • Lead MP requests targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights violations in Nigeria.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks the Government to consider imposing targeted sanctions on individuals involved in human rights violations; provide clarity on UK aid and security programs involving Nigerian forces; address representations regarding human rights abuses of Christians by terrorist groups; and increase engagement with the Nigerian diaspora in the United Kingdom to shape the UK's response.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Theresa Villiers Con Chipping Barnet

The lead MP is concerned about the widespread protests in Nigeria against police brutality and human rights abuses, particularly regarding the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). She highlighted a video that prompted nationwide demonstrations beginning on October 11, when President Buhari announced plans to disband SARS. However, these promises have not been fulfilled previously. On October 20, soldiers and police opened fire at a peaceful demonstration in Lagos, resulting in multiple casualties. The petitioners request Magnitsky-type sanctions against individuals responsible for such abuses.

Other contributors (8)
  • Abena Oppong-Asare Lab Erith and Thamesmead

    The atrocities in Nigeria are concerning for many constituents with friends and relatives there. Abena Oppong-Asare stated that 4,469 people from her constituency signed the petition, demanding action to uphold human rights. She noted discrepancies between Nigerian officials and Amnesty International regarding deaths during protests, questioning accountability. She urged an independent investigation into SARS misconduct and called for adjustments in overseas security funding linked to human rights obligations.

  • Alyn Smith SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    Alyn Smith expressed concern over the UK's involvement in funding and training Nigerian police forces involved in abuses. He called for an urgent review of these programmes and support for the Magnitsky sanctions regime, requesting updates on investigations into specific incidents and assurances that there will be consequences based on their findings. Smith also highlighted the £43 million worth of arms exports licensed between 2015 and 2020 to Nigeria and suggested suspending such exports pending a review.

  • Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East

    Ms Daby highlighted the use of disproportionate force by Nigerian military against peaceful protestors and criticised the silencing of media reporting on these events. She called for UK intervention to impose sanctions on officials involved in human rights abuses, advocating for independent investigations.

  • Kate Osamor Lab Co-op Edmonton and Winchmore Hill

    Kate Osamor highlighted the seriousness of the situation in Nigeria, emphasising the need for the UK to support peaceful protesters against a brutal regime. She criticised UK funding of SARS units over four years, totalling more than £10 million, and called for an apology and independent inquiry. She also demanded that the Minister condemn the Nigerian regime for human rights abuses including the Lekki tollgate massacre.

  • Lyn Brown Lab West Ham

    Concerned about abuses of state power and corruption in Nigeria, Lyn Brown highlighted the targeting of young people by SARS police unit. She mentioned that 56 protesters were killed during recent protests and called for action against those responsible. I am grateful to the Minister for being here and ask that the Minister for Africa writes a letter explaining why sanctions will not be imposed.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Expressed concern over the Nigerian army's use of live ammunition against protesters, the ongoing brutality by SARS, and the lack of accountability for human rights violations. Highlighted 82 documented cases of torture between January 2017 and May 2020. Called for independent investigations into recent atrocities and advocated for targeted sanctions under a Magnitsky-style regime. Questioned the UK's involvement in training SARS members despite allegations of human rights abuses. The Minister is asked to elaborate on her position regarding UK Government funding of training programmes involving SARS, despite allegations against them. The MP questions the wider implications for security and justice assistance programmes across the world.

  • Taiwo Owatemi Lab Coventry North West

    Ms Owatemi addressed the violence against peaceful protesters in Nigeria, calling for an independent investigation into human rights violations and a UN inquiry. She supported targeted sanctions but emphasised the need to hold Nigerian officials accountable through transparency and questions about British training of SARS officers.

  • Thomas Tugendhat Con Tonbridge

    Mr Tugendhat argued for the use of Magnitsky sanctions to pressure Nigerian officials who have profited from the country's wealth and hidden their gains in UK banks. He emphasised that the UK has a responsibility not only towards Nigeria but also towards its own citizens, as Nigeria is poised to become a major economic power.

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