§ Mr. HowardTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what indications have been received from the Nigerian Government regarding the timetable for(a) the release of political prisoners and (b) the restoration of democracy and human rights. [49698]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe still await an announcement by the Nigerian Government of the timetable for the release of detainees and the restoration of democracy and human rights.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit of the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd) to Nigeria. [49663]
§ Mr. Tony LloydI visited Nigeria on 25–26 June representing both my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and the EU Presidency. I had a constructive meeting with General Abubakar. He set out his ideas for the way ahead, stressing the need for all Nigerians, including those in exile, to be a part of the process. I stressed the importance of an inclusive political process leading to the early restoration of democratic civilian rule.
I was deeply saddened by the death of Chief Abiola on 7 July. He had been in detention since 1994 and we had repeatedly called for his release, most recently during my visit. It is particularly tragic that he died at a time when Nigeria had embarked on a process of reconciliation, and we believed his release to be imminent.
During my visit I also called for the release of all other detainees. It is essential that General Abubakar now does this and makes an early announcement about the restoration of civilian rule. I also encouraged General Abubakar to allow the UN Commission on Human Rights Special Rapporteur to visit Nigeria in accordance with his mandate.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit Nigeria. [49664]
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§ Mr. Tony LloydMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has no immediate plans to visit Nigeria.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received from UK companies about Nigeria. [49665]
§ Mr. Tony LloydI am in correspondence with the West Africa Committee who represent the majority of British companies active in Nigeria.