At PSJ UK, we believe that advocacy and engagement are essential to creating lasting change in Nigeria, especially when it comes to ensuring peace, security, and human rights. Our work is grounded in the conviction that the UK’s role in shaping global policy can contribute positively to the restoration of peace and the protection of vulnerable communities in Nigeria.

Our Role in Policy Advocacy for Nigeria

Through our advocacy efforts, we have been actively engaging with key stakeholders, including government representatives, MPs, and think tanks, to raise awareness of the situation in Nigeria. A central focus of our work has been religious freedom and human rights. Over the years, PSJ UK has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of marginalised communities, particularly those suffering from ongoing religious persecution, violence, and displacement in Nigeria.

By participating in influential forums such as the UK FoRB Forum, we have helped to generate dialogue around Nigeria’s most pressing issues. Our collaboration with policymakers, NGOs, and other advocacy groups enables us to contribute to the development of policies that prioritise the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens. The global recognition of Nigeria’s security challenges—including insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and religious persecution—has brought us into strategic conversations that can help foster an environment conducive to peace and stability.

The Security and Stability Crisis in Nigeria

Nigeria continues to grapple with a complex security crisis. The country’s security landscape remains fragile, with extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit militias causing devastation, particularly in the northern and central regions. In 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded the highest number of Christians killed and kidnapped globally, according to the World Watch List. Meanwhile, more than 16.2 million Christians in sub-Saharan Africa—many of them in Nigeria—have been displaced by violence.

The increasing number of displaced people, exacerbated by banditry, kidnappings, and extremist attacks, has created a severe humanitarian crisis. Entire local government areas have fallen under the control of non-state actors. Recently, a new terrorist group called Luwana has emerged, further escalating the conflict in the northeast. To make matters worse, instability in neighbouring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso is spilling over into Nigerian territories, complicating multinational efforts to address the crisis.

Given these ongoing challenges, we have taken a proactive role in advocating for a strong international response, calling for greater diplomatic pressure on the Nigerian government and increased humanitarian support for displaced communities. We believe that now, more than ever, the international community must act decisively to support Nigeria’s fight for peace, religious freedom, and stability.

What’s Next for Nigeria?

There is still a long road ahead for Nigeria, but hope remains. PSJ UK is committed to working closely with the FCDO and other global institutions to help develop a multi-layered approach to Nigeria’s peace and security challenges.

• Diplomatic Pressure – We continue to advocate for policy reform and urge the UK government to apply consistent pressure on Nigeria to improve governance and address security concerns.
• Security Sector Reform – Nigeria’s security forces require modernised approaches, adequate training, and greater accountability. PSJ UK is actively pushing for comprehensive security sector reform as a prerequisite for restoring peace.
• Humanitarian Support – Millions of displaced Nigerians need immediate and ongoing assistance. PSJ UK aims to coordinate with relief agencies to provide shelter, food, education, and healthcare to displaced communities.
• International Collaboration – Given the volatility of the situation in Nigeria, the UK and other international bodies must continue to work with Nigeria to prevent further conflict, encourage stability, and support economic recovery.

Call to Action: How You Can Help

The path to peace and security in Nigeria is challenging, but through collective action, we can make meaningful progress. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Donate to support our humanitarian projects providing relief to displaced communities.
• Raise Awareness by sharing the stories of those affected by religious persecution and violence in Nigeria.
• Advocate for stronger UK policies on religious freedom and human rights in Nigeria.
• Pray for peace, stability, and protection for vulnerable communities in Nigeria.

Together, we can stand in solidarity with Nigeria and its people, pushing for policy reforms that will help bring an end to violence, uphold religious freedom, and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future.

Thank you for your continued support in making this vision a reality.