§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Government of Nigeria regarding human and civil rights; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydMy right hon. and noble friend the Minister for Overseas Development met the Nigerian Foreign Minister on 6 February in Abidjan. She reaffirmed our strong desire to see a return to civilian democratic rule, unhindered by the military in Nigeria.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's current relations with Nigeria.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe cancellation of the June elections and the military takeover on 17 November in Nigeria last year were steps backward, for Nigeria and for Africa as a whole. However, we place great value on our relationship with Nigeria and we continue to take every opportunity to encourage the Government to take concrete steps towards the restoration of democracy.