The United States Congress is holding a major public hearing in Washington, D.C., to examine Nigeria’s security situation and human rights record, with a strong focus on religious freedom. Lawmakers on the House Subcommittee on Africa are reviewing whether Nigeria should remain on the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC).
Mediaplusng.com reports that the session, scheduled for November 20, 2025, follows the recent decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump to reinstate Nigeria on the CPC list. The U.S. government says the move is based on alleged severe violations of religious freedom, especially claims of attacks against Christians.
During the hearing, committee members question senior officials from the U.S. State Department, alongside Nigerian religious leaders. According to Mediaplusng.com, lawmakers are focusing on key issues such as attacks by extremist groups including Boko Haram and ISWAP, security agencies’ failure to protect citizens, and allegations of discrimination based on faith.
Advocates from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) have repeatedly demanded Nigeria’s CPC designation, describing the situation as “systematic, ongoing, and egregious.” However, several critics in Nigeria argue that the label is inaccurate, saying it ignores the complexity of the country’s wider security challenges.
Some U.S. lawmakers are also pushing for stronger consequences—such as sanctions or restrictions on aid—if Nigeria does not take more decisive actions to improve religious freedom and security reforms.
Nigeria’s government continues to reject the CPC status, insisting that some of the U.S. claims are exaggerated, misleading, or politically motivated.
