British Members of Parliament have called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to directly raise concerns about the ongoing killings and persecution of Christians in Nigeria with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom, the first by a Nigerian president in nearly four decades.
The appeal comes from members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB), who have written to Development Minister Baroness Jenny Chapman urging the UK government to press Tinubu on stronger human rights protections and measures to safeguard religious minorities.
In the letter signed by 209 MPs and peers the group highlighted what they describe as insufficient action by Nigerian authorities in response to repeated attacks on Christian communities, particularly in the country's Middle Belt and northern regions.
They emphasized the need for concrete steps to prevent harassment, persecution, and killings, as well as thorough investigations and prosecutions of perpetrators.
APPG FoRB Chairman Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) stated: “Nigeria must take concrete steps to prevent the harassment, persecution and killing of Christians, while ensuring that perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted.”
The lawmakers also sought updates on long-standing cases, including that of Leah Sharibu, one of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted in 2018 who remains in captivity.
This push coincides with President Tinubu's state visit scheduled for March 18-19, 2026, where he will be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle and hold talks with Prime Minister Starmer at 10 Downing Street.
The visit marks a significant diplomatic milestone, being the first Nigerian presidential state visit to the UK since 1989.
Concerns over freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria have been a recurring topic in the UK Parliament, with recent debates and reports citing Nigeria as one of the most dangerous places globally for Christians, according to organizations like Open Doors and Global Christian Relief.
No immediate response has been reported from the Nigerian government or President Tinubu's office regarding the UK lawmakers' demands.
The visit is expected to cover broader bilateral issues, including trade, security cooperation, and economic ties, but the human rights angle adds a layer of diplomatic sensitivity.
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