RismadarVoice Reporters
May 21, 2026
The United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), David Smith, has concluded a three-day official visit to Nigeria, urging stronger religious tolerance and deeper efforts toward peaceful coexistence across the country.
The visit, aimed at strengthening interfaith dialogue and supporting national unity, brought together government officials, religious leaders, civil society organisations and community stakeholders.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Senior Communications and Public Diplomacy Officer of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office at the British High Commission, Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, Nigeria was identified as the first focus country visited by Smith under the UK’s Freedom of Religion or Belief strategy.
According to the statement, the visit formed part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration on religious freedom, social cohesion and peace-building initiatives.
During his stay, Smith held meetings with key government officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang.
He also engaged with the leadership of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, including its co-chairmen, Archbishop Daniel Okoh and Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Reflecting on his visit, Smith said he gained valuable insight into the realities of religious freedom and its relationship with wider national concerns, particularly security and social stability.
“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,” he said.
The UK envoy also highlighted his interactions at the grassroots level, describing community-based efforts toward peaceful coexistence as one of the most impactful aspects of the visit.
He pointed to his visit to Father Emmanuel Unamba’s parish, where Christian and Muslim residents were living harmoniously, describing it as evidence that peace is built through dialogue, leadership and shared responsibility.
Smith stressed that future progress should be driven by Nigerians through strong institutions and inclusive conversations, with freedom of religion and belief playing a central role.
“The UK will continue to support practical efforts in ensuring greater peace, security and prosperity for all,” he added.
The visit also included a roundtable discussion with partners involved in the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria programme, a £38 million initiative focused on conflict prevention and resilience-building in Kaduna, Katsina, Benue and Plateau states.
Smith additionally met with officials of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the National Human Rights Commission and several civil society organisations working on insecurity and religious freedom.
He also toured the National Mosque and the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja.
The British government said the visit builds on outcomes from President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom in March 2026, which strengthened bilateral cooperation and encouraged interfaith engagement between both countries.
