By Rekpene Bassey
Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the United States has sent shockwaves across the globe, highlighting the country’s complex security challenges and allegations of widespread persecution against Christians.
The move, announced by President Donald Trump on October 31, 2025, follows months of intense lobbying by US lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, who introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025.
Trump stated that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, with thousands of Christians being killed by radical Islamists. He directed US Representatives Riley Moore and Tom Cole, along with the House Appropriations Committee, to investigate the situation and report back to him.
The CPC designation reflects growing concerns over religious intolerance and targeted violence against Christians, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions.
Extremist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been responsible for devastating attacks, displacing thousands and destroying communities.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pushed back against the claims, emphasising the country’s commitment to religious freedom and tolerance. In a statement, Tinubu said the characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect the country’s national reality.
The Nigerian government has denied allegations of genocide, with Minister of Information Mohammed Idris stating that the situation is being inaccurately portrayed as a deliberate attack on Christians. Idris emphasised that the government is committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of their faith.
The CPC designation may pressure the Nigerian government to address insecurity and protect vulnerable populations. However, the move also risks straining Nigeria’s relations with the US, potentially leading to sanctions, damaged international image, and complicated cooperation in counter-terrorism and trade.
Senator Ted Cruz and other lawmakers have been vocal advocates for Nigeria’s CPC designation. Christian leaders in Nigeria welcome Trump’s decision, describing it as a “moral and timely intervention” that could draw global attention to the decades-long persecution.
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has been recommending Nigeria’s designation as a CPC since 2009. The commission applauded Trump’s decision, stating that it demonstrates the US commitment to promoting religious freedom worldwide.
The CPC designation is made under the US International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998 and identifies countries that demonstrate “severe violations of religious freedom”. The designation opens the door for the US to impose various punitive measures, including sanctions, restricted foreign aid, and travel bans on Nigerian officials.
Nigeria’s economy is likely to be affected by the CPC designation, with potential sanctions and trade restrictions. The country’s international standing may also be harmed, reinforcing perceptions of widespread human rights violations and religious intolerance.
The Nigerian government has vowed to continue fighting violent extremism and hopes to maintain its relationship with the US. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the government will continue to defend all citizens, regardless of their faith.
The CPC designation serves as a wake-up call for Nigeria to address its security challenges and promote religious tolerance. The international community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
Experts say the CPC designation may lead to increased international pressure on Nigeria to address its human rights record. However, others argue that the move could also lead to a deterioration in Nigeria-US relations.
The US has previously designated Nigeria as a CPC during Trump’s first term, but the country was removed from the list during the Biden administration. The redesignation has sparked intense debate, with some arguing that it is a necessary step to promote religious freedom, while others see it as an overreach of US power.
The situation in Nigeria remains complex, with ongoing debates and diplomatic efforts to address the concerns raised by the US. The Nigerian government has emphasised its commitment to protecting all citizens and promoting religious freedom.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Nigeria’s designation as a CPC has significant implications for the country’s future and its relationship with the US.
In response to the CPC designation, the Nigerian government should prioritise protecting vulnerable populations and addressing insecurity. Collaboration with international partners can help address the humanitarian crisis and promote religious freedom.
Transparency and accountability are crucial in addressing violence and persecution in Nigeria. The government should ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that victims receive justice.
The international community must work together to address the complex security challenges facing Nigeria. The CPC designation marks the beginning of a comprehensive process aimed at promoting religious freedom and protecting human rights in the country.
The US and Nigeria must engage in constructive dialogue to address the concerns raised by the CPC designation. The situation requires a nuanced approach, taking into account the complexities of Nigeria’s security challenges and the need to promote religious freedom.
*Rekpene Bassey is the President of the African Council on Narcotics, Security and Drug Prevention Specialist.
