Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of current levels of religious tension in Nigeria.

Christianity and Islam remain the two main established religions in Nigeria. They share a history of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The terrorist group Boko Haram is attempting to challenge Nigeria’s secular state and democratic constitution by attacking all Nigerians who do not follow their extremist and intolerant views. Their activities do not command widespread popular support and have caused immense suffering in both Muslim and Christian communities.

The UK is helping Nigeria build its own capacity to tackle Boko Haram and stop such attacks. The Department for International Development has two programmes directly addressing conflict in Northern Nigeria which include work with religious leaders.