U.S. President Donald Trump has formally designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)”, citing ongoing reports of religious persecution and Christian killings in several parts of the country.
The designation, announced by the U.S. State Department, places Nigeria alongside nations facing severe violations of religious freedom, as defined under the International Religious Freedom Act.
President Trump said the move was necessary to draw attention to the growing humanitarian crisis and to pressure Nigerian authorities to act decisively.
“The United States will not stand by while innocent people are targeted for their faith. The Nigerian government must ensure justice and protection for all its citizens,” Trump stated.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with Christian groups and human rights organizations welcoming the move as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the plight of persecuted communities. However, some Nigerian officials described the designation as “unfair,” arguing that the violence is not solely religious but driven by ethnic and economic tensions.
The designation could pave the way for targeted sanctions or foreign policy restrictions if the U.S. determines that Nigeria’s government fails to adequately address the crisis