State visit of the president of Nigeria
Tabled 12 March 2026 by Andrew Rosindell
That this House notes the forthcoming State Visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 16–18 March 2026; recognises the long-standing diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria; further notes reports from civil society organisations regarding escalating violence and persecution against Christian communities in parts of northern Nigeria; expresses concern at allegations of impunity and insufficient protection for vulnerable communities; also notes concerns raised by domestic and international observers regarding the use of prolonged judicial proceedings affecting opposition parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election; acknowledges the central role of Nigeria’s judiciary in upholding constitutional order and public confidence, including senior members of the federal courts such as Justices James Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, John Terhemba Tsoho, Peter Lifu, and members of the Supreme Court including Justice Inyang Okoro; and calls on His Majesty’s Government to use the occasion of the State Visit to reaffirm the importance of free and fair elections, judicial independence, protection of minority communities and the rule of law as foundational elements of the UK–Nigeria partnership.