Frank Okon

The government of the United Kingdom has called for greater tolerance across religions and beliefs in Nigeria, saying stronger interfaith understanding and leadership are critical to ensuring that the cohesion and peaceful coexistence seen at community level in urban centers can be replicated nationwide with the same resolve.

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The UK also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting practical initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security and prosperity across Nigeria.

The call was made by the UK’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), David Smith, at the conclusion of a three-day visit to Abuja, during which he engaged senior government officials, religious leaders, civil society organizations and local communities. Nigeria is the first focus country visited under the UK’s FoRB strategy.

Speaking at the end of the visit, Smith said the UK hoped the peaceful coexistence witnessed in several communities could become a national reality through inclusive dialogue, leadership and shared responsibility.

“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,” he said.

“The UK will continue to support practical efforts in ensuring greater peace, security and prosperity for all.”

During the visit, Smith held meetings with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang.

He also met with leaders of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, including President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Daniel Okoh, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who also serves as President-General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

According to Smith, the visit provided an opportunity to understand how freedom of religion or belief intersects with Nigeria’s broader security and social cohesion challenges.

“Over the past few days, I have been honored to meet a wide range of people — from senior government figures and civil society to faith leaders and local communities,” he said.

“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.”

The envoy described his visit to Father Emmanuel Unamba’s parish as one of the most memorable moments of the trip, noting that Christian and Muslim neighbors living peacefully side by side demonstrated that coexistence can be built through dialogue and mutual responsibility.

The visit also featured a roundtable with partners involved in the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) program, a £38 million initiative operating mainly in Kaduna, Katsina, Benue and Plateau states to address the root causes of intercommunal violence and strengthen local peacebuilding mechanisms.

Smith further met with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society groups working on insecurity and religious freedom. He also visited the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja.

The UK government said the visit builds on the momentum generated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026, which reinforced the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership and included interfaith engagements attended by President Tinubu and King Charles III.