US Congress to review Trump’s religious-freedom designation on Nigeria.
The United States House Subcommittee on Africa will on Thursday, examine President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a move that could open the door to sanctions over alleged religious persecution.
The hearing, scheduled for 11:00 local time at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, comes amid renewed tension between Abuja and Washington over rising attacks on Christian communities and the future of US–Nigeria relations.
If the redesignation is upheld by the US Senate, Washington could impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials accused of enabling religious violence, restrict security assistance, and signal to international partners that Nigeria is failing to protect minority faith groups.
High-profile witnesses to appear
The hearing, chaired by Republican Congressman Chris Smith, will feature testimony from senior US State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders.
Jonathan Pratt of the Bureau of African Affairs and Jacob McGee of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor will address US policy concerns.
A second panel will hear from Nina Shea of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese, and Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic & International Studies.
Lawmakers are expected to review the scale of religiously motivated attacks, possible US policy responses, and whether Nigeria is meeting its obligations under international human rights conventions.
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Trump’s warning sparks diplomatic tension
Trump redesignated Nigeria as a CPC on 31 October, claiming Christians were facing “an existential threat” from Islamist extremist groups and militant Fulani herders.
He warned that the United States could suspend aid or even consider military action if Nigeria’s government failed to curb violence.
“If the Nigerian government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid,” Trump said earlier this month, adding that military options remained “on the table”.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, rejected the claims, insisting the country remains committed to religious freedom. “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” he said.
READ ALSO: Trump Declares Nigeria ‘Country of Particular Concern’, FG, CAN React
Long-running concerns over religious violence
Nigeria has witnessed repeated attacks on Christian communities—killings, abductions, and the destruction of churches, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern states.
Bishop Anagbe, who will testify before Congress, previously told the UK Parliament that his diocese in Benue State had been repeatedly targeted, leaving families displaced and communities destroyed.
Rights groups say Muslim communities have also suffered violence, though US lawmakers argue Christians account for a disproportionate number of victims.
Republican Congressman Riley Moore said at the weekend that the House Appropriations Committee is already reviewing the situation. “These killings are horrific… we’re going to get to the bottom of this,” he said.
Differing views in Washington
While some US lawmakers back Trump’s tough stance, others argue military intervention is unlikely.
Congressman Bill Huizenga told Arise TV that although Trump’s comments were unusually forceful, sanctions, not armed action, remain the more plausible US response.
Nigerian government steps up peace efforts
Amid the growing scrutiny, the Nigerian government has intensified local peace efforts.
Last week, President Tinubu sent a peace envoy, Dr Abiodun Essiet, to Plateau State, where Christian and Fulani communities have long clashed.
During the visit, community leaders agreed to resolve a dispute involving destroyed farmland and cattle, with compensation paid and peace undertakings signed.
Global voices weigh in
Pope Leo XIV has also expressed concern over attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan and Bangladesh, calling for an end to violence and urging faith leaders to promote peace.
The CPC redesignation, first introduced by Trump in 2020 and withdrawn by President Joe Biden, now sits before the US Senate, sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, where its outcome could reshape relations between the two countries.
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