e-2967 (Foreign affairs)

The Government of Canada continues to closely follow the security, political and human rights situation in Nigeria. The promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and fundamental freedoms is a cornerstone of Canadian foreign policy. Together with other members of the international community, the Government of Canada has publically expressed concerns with respect to police brutality in Nigeria.

Following the Lekki Tollgate incident of October 20, 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs personally spoke with his counterpart, Minister Geoffrey Onyeama, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nigeria on October 21, 2020 to express Canada’s concerns regarding police brutality against protesters. That same day, Global Affairs Canada issued a statement on Twitter deploring the excessive use of force against protestors calling for perpetrators to be held accountable. Since October, the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has maintained its engagement with the Nigerian government, meeting with Minister Onyeama on December 17, 2020 to discuss the ongoing situation in Nigeria. 

Canada will continue to engage with the Nigerian government and support and encourage their pursuit of meaningful police reform, and accountability for the perpetrators of violence against peaceful protestors and civilians. Investigations and prosecutions of those responsible for human rights violations committed by security forces must be quick, independent, and their findings should be made public.

The Government of Canada is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights, at home and abroad. Canada will continue to monitor the human rights situation in Nigeria and engage with a broad range of actors, including government officials, non-governmental organizations, and representatives of civil society, to promote and protect human rights.