Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of the government of Nigeria’s involvement in the persecution of Christians in northern and central-belt states; and whether, as a result of any such assessment, they intend to withdraw aid to Nigeria.

We have seen no evidence of government involvement in the intercommunal violence which has affected multiple states across Nigeria. We regularly reinforce to the Nigerian authorities the importance of protecting civilians and upholding human rights standards. Any member of the Nigerian security services found to have been involved in human rights violations must be held accountable.

The UK does not intend to withdraw development and humanitarian assistance from Nigeria, which faces numerous challenges to its future growth and development. The humanitarian crisis in the north-east is worsening, millions of children lack access to clean water, sanitation or education, and conflict continues to affect the oil-rich Delta region. Despite significant natural resources, around a third of Nigerians (60 million) live below the national poverty line with around another third just above; many of them are highly vulnerable and at risk of being trafficked to the UK. The UK is focused on helping Nigeria overcome these challenges.