Thirty-one members of the United States Congress have praised former President Donald Trump for designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to alleged religious persecution, particularly against Christians.
The lawmakers, in a joint statement, described Trump’s action as a bold and necessary move to address what they termed “widespread and systemic attacks” on Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria.
They said the CPC designation was long overdue and reflected the worsening state of religious freedom in the country.According to them, the decision signaled America’s commitment to defending human rights and ensuring that nations uphold international standards on freedom of belief.
They also urged the U.S. government to maintain pressure on Nigerian authorities to protect citizens regardless of their faith and to hold perpetrators of religious violence accountable.
Nigeria’s inclusion on the CPC list followed concerns raised by several international human rights groups over recurring sectarian killings, church attacks, and the government’s perceived inaction in addressing them.
The lawmakers further commended Trump for “standing with the persecuted” and encouraged continued advocacy to ensure global accountability on religious freedom.