UK Envoy Concludes Nigeria Visit Focused on Religious Tolerance

The United Kingdom's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith, has completed a significant three-day visit to Nigeria, marking the first focus country under the UK's new FoRB strategy. This visit underscores the UK's commitment to fostering religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence within Nigeria, a nation grappling with complex security and cohesion challenges.

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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. I came to listen, learn, and see both how freedom of religion or belief is experienced in everyday life, and how it connects to and is a core part of addressing Nigeria’s wider challenges around security and cohesion.

During his stay in Abuja, Smith engaged in high-level discussions with key figures, including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang. Crucially, he also met with the co-chairs of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, Daniel Okoh and Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, highlighting the importance of dialogue between Christian and Muslim leaders.

Smith's observations from community-level visits, such as his experience at Father Emmanuel Unamba’s parish, provided a powerful reminder that peaceful coexistence is actively built through daily leadership, dialogue, and shared responsibility. This grassroots perspective is vital, as it reflects the lived reality of Nigerians striving for harmony amidst diversity.

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Some of the most powerful moments of this visit were at the community level. Visiting Father Emmanuel Unamba’s parish and meeting Christian and Muslim neighbours living side by side was a real reminder that peaceful coexistence is something people build every day through leadership, dialogue, and shared responsibility.

The envoy's takeaway emphasizes the need for Nigerian-led initiatives, grounded in robust institutions and inclusive dialogue, with freedom of religion and belief at their core. The UK's pledge to support practical efforts reinforces the collaborative approach needed to enhance peace, security, and prosperity for all Nigerians. This engagement is particularly relevant given Nigeria's diverse religious landscape and the ongoing efforts to manage interfaith relations.

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What I take away from this visit is the importance of further progress being Nigerian-led, rooted in strong institutions and inclusive dialogue, with FoRB at its heart. The UK will continue to support practical efforts in ensuring greater peace, security and prosperity for all.