The United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), David Smith MP, has wrapped up a three-day official visit to Nigeria, calling for greater religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in Africa’s most populous nation.
Smith’s visit, which marked the first focus country under the UK’s new Freedom of Religion or Belief strategy, aimed to strengthen interfaith dialogue and support efforts toward national cohesion.
During his stay, the envoy held high-level meetings with key Nigerian stakeholders, including:
National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang
Co-chairs of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Archbishop Daniel Okoh and Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III
He also engaged with civil society organisations, religious leaders, and local communities, and visited significant religious sites such as the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja.
In a statement released by the British High Commission, Smith emphasised the importance of Nigerian-led solutions rooted in strong institutions and inclusive dialogue.
“Over the past few days, I have been honoured to meet a wide range of people from senior government figures and civil society to faith leaders and local communities,” he said.
“Some of the most powerful moments were at the community level... a real reminder that peaceful coexistence is something people build every day through leadership, dialogue, and shared responsibility.”
The envoy further participated in a roundtable under the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria programme — a £38 million initiative focused on conflict-prone states including Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, and Plateau.
Smith expressed hope that the examples of interfaith harmony he witnessed could be replicated across the country and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting practical efforts that promote peace, security, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
The visit builds on the outcomes of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026, which deepened the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
This development comes amid ongoing concerns about religious tensions and insecurity in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region.
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