Trump takes stand against christian persecution in Nigeria
US President Donald Trump has designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to alleged genocide against Christians, following recent U.S. visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Nigeria faces an “existential threat” to Christianity, citing thousands of Christian deaths attributed to radical Islamists. He directed Congressman Riley Moore and Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the reported killings.
As reported by BBC, this designation recalls a similar action from December 2020, when Trump first labeled Nigeria a CPC under the International Religious Freedom Act.
The designation was reversed by President Joe Biden in November 2021, with former Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that while Nigeria faces security challenges, its government is not directly engaged in religious persecution.
Lawmakers, including Republican Senator Ted Cruz, have been advocating for this designation, with Cruz introducing the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which calls for sanctions against officials responsible for the persecution of Christians.
The U.S. Department of State applies the CPC label to nations that engage in severe violations of religious freedom. This designation empowers the President to impose sanctions or withdraw aid based on the situation.
Trump’s decision has drawn mixed responses. U.S. lawmakers praised the move as a necessary response to the violence against Christians. However, critics argue that the designation alone will not stop the killings and may hinder Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
According to Punch Newspaper, in Nigeria, reactions are divided. Some welcome the designation, while others criticize it for framing the issue solely as a “Christian genocide.”
Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on U.S.-Nigeria military relations, particularly regarding arms procurement.
A senior Nigerian official stated that the government will use diplomatic channels to address the situation, emphasizing a commitment to collaboration between the two nations.
