Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Nigeria: Security Situation

19 July 2022 · 5 other contributors · 8,029 words

Opened by Matthew Offord Con Hendon

Responding minister: Vicky Ford

Migrants & BordersCommunity SecurityForeign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Matthew Offord raised concerns about nigeria: security situation in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Matthew Offord expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, citing issues such as Islamic extremism, kidnappings, and intercommunal violence.
  • Offord noted that over 17,000 people have been killed in conflicts in Nigeria's middle belt region over two decades, with more than 10,000 displaced.
  • The minister acknowledged Nigeria's significance to the UK and raised concerns about rising insecurity, including terrorism and criminal banditry.

Key requests to Government

Offord asked the Government to consider reviewing official development assistance (ODA) to allow spending on non-lethal security co-operation measures, emphasizing the need for proactive action to prevent a regional conflict from becoming international.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Matthew Offord Con Hendon

Matthew Offord expressed concern about the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, highlighting issues such as Islamic extremism, kidnappings for ransom, intercommunal and religiously motivated violence, human trafficking, electoral violence, and extreme poverty. He noted that over 17,000 people have been killed in conflicts in the middle belt region over two decades, with more than 10,000 displaced. In 2021 alone, 2,200 people were kidnapped for ransom, more than double the number from the previous year. Additionally, he pointed out that nearly half of Nigeria's population wants to leave the country due to political inertia and widespread corruption.

Other contributors (5)
  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    Mr O'Hara highlighted the APPG's visit to Nigeria where they found widespread corruption, lack of security, impunity, poverty, and radical Islam leading to a potential tipping point for civil war. He noted that people are losing faith in institutions due to government corruption, resulting in an increase in religious extremism.

  • Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North

    Noted that the debate can continue until 6.6 pm due to Divisions in the House. The MP informed the chamber that Front-Bench spokeswomen would be called by 17:45.

  • Fiona Bruce Con Congleton

    Concerned about the high number of religious-based violence incidents in Nigeria, including over 120 innocent civilians killed in one week and 4,650 Christians killed between November 2020 and October 2021. Criticized the Nigerian Government for not recognizing religiously motivated violence.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, where three million people have been displaced due to violence and intimidation. He visited internally displaced camps and met victims who shared stories of pain and agony, with many citing a lack of impunity from ongoing attacks. Shannon stressed the need for action against terrorism and emphasized the importance of addressing religious and ethnic divisions as well as supporting non-governmental organisations working in these areas. Pointed out that when an army barracks did not respond to a town under attack, it highlighted the need to address terrorism on the ground and allow local communities to live in peace.

  • Lyn Brown Lab West Ham

    Ms Brown expressed concern about the increasing violence and political instability in Nigeria, highlighting a tragic attack on a church that resulted in 41 deaths. She also noted the sharp decline in UK aid for bilateral Nigeria programmes and requested more assistance to tackle insecurity drivers.

Government Response

Vicky Ford

Welcomed the debate on Nigeria's security situation and acknowledged its significance for the country's future. Stressed that Nigeria is a priority partner for the UK, noting its status as Africa's largest democracy and economy and home to the continent's highest number of people living in poverty. Raised concerns about rising insecurity, including terrorism, intercommunal conflicts, criminal banditry, violence, and serious organized crime. Discussed election support through public messaging and collaboration with civil society organizations. Highlighted security partnership efforts such as police reform, tackling organized crime, countering terrorism, and providing training and technical assistance to Nigerian authorities. Mentioned humanitarian aid provided in north-east Nigeria, including £425 million over five years reaching about 1.5 million vulnerable people. Also addressed human trafficking with a £6 million investment from the Home Office's modern slavery fund between 2017 and 2022. Discussed the conference on freedom of religion or belief which facilitated discussions among delegates from more than 60 countries. Emphasized commitment to long-term solutions addressing root causes of violence and insecurity, promoting stability and prosperity for Nigeria.

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