Call for Nigeria’s Redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern

U.S. Rep. Chris Smith led a hearing addressing religious freedom violations in Nigeria, urging the redesignation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.” Expert witnesses presented alarming statistics on violence against Christians and the systemic issues leading to widespread persecution. Smith reintroduced his resolution to reclassify Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention.

U.S. Representative Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, conducted a congressional hearing that emphasized the severe violations of religious freedom occurring in Nigeria. Smith, along with expert witnesses, pleaded with Secretary Marco Rubio to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”—a status previously granted by President Trump to support persecuted Christians in the nation.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe from the Diocese of Makurdi testified regarding the atrocities committed by militant Fulani herdsmen, claiming that they engage in violent acts, including killings and kidnappings, without facing legal repercussions. Chairman Smith underscored the shocking reversal of Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern by Secretary Blinken, which outraged many Nigerian religious leaders.

Smith highlighted the alarming fact that the Nigerian government has failed to combat religious persecution, despite its constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. He noted the dire situation, wherein over 52,000 Christians and around 34,000 moderate non-Fulani Muslims have been reportedly killed since 2009, leading to significant displacement within the country.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee had previously adopted Smith’s H.Res. 82 resolution calling for Nigeria’s redesignation, passed early in 2024 but ultimately not debated on the House floor. Smith reintroduced the resolution as H.Res. 220 in 2025, expressing his hope that President Trump would reinstigate Nigeria’s CPC designation.

Expert witnesses at the hearing included Nina Shea of the Hudson Institute, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, Bishop Anagbe, and Oge Onubogu from The Wilson Center. Bishop Anagbe described a systematic agenda to erase the Christian identity in Nigeria, detailing violent and oppressive actions against Christians.

Director Shea emphasized Nigeria’s grim status as the deadliest country for Christians, pointing out that militant Fulani herders represent a significant threat to the country’s Christian population, particularly in regions where tensions are pronounced. Perkins echoed this sentiment, condemning Western media for overlooking the escalating violence fueled by radical Islamist groups, particularly against Christians in Nigeria.

In summary, U.S. Representative Chris Smith’s hearing brought to light the urgent need for the U.S. government to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to egregious violations of religious freedoms. Testimonies from various experts highlighted the ongoing violence faced by Christians and indicated that without formal acknowledgment and action from the international community, these abuses might continue unchecked. The call to action stresses the importance of international accountability in preserving religious liberties globally.

Original Source: anglican.ink