To strengthen inter-parliamentary relations and promote effective legislative cooperation, the Nigeria–United States Parliamentary Friendship Group has expanded its diplomatic engagement to the United Kingdom, following earlier exchange visits to Washington D.C., New York City, Utah, and Atlanta, Georgia.
During the UK leg of the tour, the Nigerian delegation engaged in high-level discussions with members of the British Parliament, the House of Lords, and officials at the Commonwealth Secretariat, headquartered at Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London.
The visit aimed to consolidate the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom by exploring shared legislative values, policy innovations, and best practices that support socio-economic development and good governance.
At the British Parliament and House of Lords, the delegation was welcomed by Professor David Alton, a seasoned lawmaker with 20 years of service in the House of Commons. Professor Alton expressed concerns over reports of religious killings and persecution in Nigeria.
Responding to these concerns, the Chairman of the Nigeria–U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, who represents Oshodi-Isolo I Federal Constituency in Lagos State under the Labour Party, acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. However, he clarified that many incidents portrayed as religiously motivated are, in fact, criminal acts. He emphasised that Christians and Muslims in Nigeria generally coexist peacefully.
Mr Onuakalusi further underscored the importance of legislative collaboration between Nigeria and Britain, describing it as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange, policy development, and institutional strengthening. He highlighted that such partnerships could significantly advance anti-corruption measures, reinforce judicial independence, improve electoral processes, and safeguard human rights in both nations.
Before concluding their visit to the House of Lords, the Nigerian delegation toured the historic Westminster Hall, notably the site where Sir Thomas More, former Lord Chancellor of England and author of Utopia, was tried and executed on 1 July 1535.
At the Commonwealth Secretariat, the delegation met with Professor Luis G. Franceschi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Professor Franceschi, who has monitored several Nigerian elections including the latest polls, expressed willingness to support initiatives aimed at enhancing legislative cooperation between Nigeria and the UK. Nonetheless, he raised concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, citing recurring irregularities observed during election monitoring missions.
In response, Mr Onuakalusi stressed the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s Electoral Act, advocating a transition from manual collation to mandatory electronic transmission of election results. He described this as a vital step to curb electoral fraud and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
