The United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), David Smith, has concluded a three-day official visit to Abuja, marking Nigeria as the first focus country under the UK’s FoRB strategy.
During the visit, Smith held meetings with senior government officials, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and local communities as part of the UK’s commitment to strengthening freedom of religion or belief and promoting peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
Among top government officials engaged during the visit were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang.
The envoy also met with co-chairs of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, including President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh, and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is also President-General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
Speaking at the end of the visit, Smith said he was honoured to engage with various stakeholders across government, faith communities and civil society.
According to him, the visit offered an opportunity to better understand how freedom of religion or belief is experienced in everyday life in Nigeria and how it connects to broader issues of security and national cohesion.
He noted that one of the highlights of the trip was visiting communities where Christians and Muslims coexist peacefully, describing it as a strong example of how dialogue, shared responsibility and leadership can foster unity.
Smith stressed that future progress in advancing freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria must remain Nigerian-led, supported by strong institutions and inclusive dialogue.
He added that the UK would continue to support practical efforts aimed at promoting peace, security and prosperity across the country.
The visit also featured a roundtable engagement with partners implementing the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, a £38 million initiative focused on conflict prevention and resilience-building in Kaduna, Katsina, Benue and Plateau states.
The envoy further met with officials of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society groups working on issues relating to insecurity and religious freedom.
As part of the engagements, he visited the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja, where he advocated greater tolerance among Nigerians regardless of religion or belief.
Smith expressed hope that the spirit of peaceful coexistence observed in parts of Abuja could be replicated nationwide.
The visit builds on the outcomes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s State Visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026, which reinforced the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership and promoted interfaith dialogue between both countries.
The UK government noted that Nigeria remains a priority country within its FoRB strategy launched in July 2025, reflecting Britain’s support for Nigerian-led efforts aimed at reducing religiously linked violence and strengthening interfaith harmony.
Reporting By Chioma Ezike