Trump Redesignates Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Over Christian Persecution, Orders Congressional Investigation
By Passman Akpos
In a move that has reignited diplomatic and human rights debates, former U.S. President Donald Trump has redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), citing what he described as “years of systematic persecution and violence against Christians.”
The redesignation, announced through a statement from Trump’s office on Tuesday, directs the U.S. Congress to open a formal investigation and submit a comprehensive report with recommendations on Nigeria’s religious freedom situation.
> “For too long, Christians in Nigeria have faced unimaginable violence, killings, and displacement with little accountability,” Trump stated. “The United States must stand for faith and freedom everywhere. Congress should urgently investigate and ensure that America’s foreign policy reflects our moral responsibility.”
Background of the CPC Designation
The Country of Particular Concern status is one of the highest designations under U.S. law for nations that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom. Nigeria was previously placed on the CPC list during Trump’s administration in 2020 but was controversially removed in 2021 by President Joe Biden’s State Department—a decision widely criticized by Christian advocacy groups.
Human rights organizations, including Open Doors USA and International Christian Concern, have repeatedly reported escalating attacks on Christian communities, especially in northern and Middle Belt regions, allegedly perpetrated by extremist groups and armed militias.
Reactions in Nigeria
The announcement has stirred mixed reactions within Nigeria. While some Christian groups hailed the move as long overdue, government officials dismissed it as “politically motivated.”
A senior aide to President Bola Tinubu, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Nigerian government “rejects any foreign classification that undermines national sovereignty or misrepresents the country’s complex security challenges.”
However, CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) welcomed Trump’s statement, calling it “a moral awakening and a reminder that the world is watching.”
Next Steps
With Trump urging Congress to act, the redesignation could influence future U.S. foreign aid, security cooperation, and trade policies involving Nigeria. Lawmakers in the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee are expected to deliberate on the directive within the coming weeks.
As Nigeria continues to battle sectarian violence and insecurity, international attention on religious freedom and human rights in the country is likely to intensify once again.
