2. Will the Deputy Minister provide an update on Welsh Government support for the Nigerian community in Wales? OAQ55142

We work extensively with diverse groups across Wales, and fund the all-Wales BAME engagement programme to support communities to advocate on matters that affect them. We have also funded an innovative community-led multicultural hub in Swansea, which includes the Nigerian association.

Thank you. I'm well aware of that multicultural hub, which is very popular. But I'm told by a member of the Nigerian community that it is growing, especially in Swansea and Cardiff, and they've asked me to ask what support can the Welsh Government provide for the creation of a social and community centre for the Nigerian community.

I thank Mike Hedges for that question. And I have responded to correspondence from the Member to recognise the importance of this growing community in Wales. I've drawn attention, of course—as I've mentioned just previously—to the community facilities grant, but also there's a Wales for Africa small grants scheme. But I think it is important to recognise that we did provide community facilities programme funding to Race Council Cymru for that cultural and digital hub in the Swansea Grand Theatre, which does include the Nigerian association in Swansea, along with approximately 20 other cultural organisations, and met the director of the Nigerians in Wales Association, Mrs Patience Bentu, to discuss their further needs.