By: Ojay Matthew
The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to examine President Donald Trump’s recent decision to label Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.
If approved by the US Senate, the CPC status could lead to sanctions on Nigerian officials accused of allowing religious violence and could limit certain US aid to Nigeria.
The hearing, which will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith, will take place at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington and will be streamed live. It will feature top US government officials and Nigerian religious leaders.
According to an invitation, the first panel will include Jonathan Pratt from the US Bureau of African Affairs and Jacob McGee from the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
The second panel will feature religious freedom advocate Nina Shea, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Benue State, and Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic & International Studies.
The session aims to review claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, consider possible US responses such as sanctions or humanitarian aid, and discuss ways to work with Nigerian authorities to reduce violence.
Background to the Tension
On October 31, 2025, President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a *Country of Particular Concern*, accusing the government of failing to protect Christians from extremist attacks. He warned that the US could cut aid or even resort to military action if the killings continued.
Trump claimed thousands of Christians had been killed by Islamist extremists and said the US would act if Nigeria did not stop the violence.
President Bola Tinubu rejected Trump’s claims, insisting that Nigeria protects freedom of religion and that the allegations do not reflect the country’s true situation.
Ongoing Attacks and International Reactions
The CPC designation comes amid continued violence in parts of Nigeria, including attacks by extremist groups, raids on villages, and destruction of worship centres. Nigeria was first listed as CPC in 2020 under Trump but was removed by President Joe Biden.
Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who will testify at the hearing, has repeatedly spoken out about killings in Benue State. Earlier this year, he told UK lawmakers that Christian communities were being attacked by extremist groups and some Fulani militants, forcing many residents into IDP camps.
US Lawmakers Challenge Tinubu’s Position
US Congressman Riley Moore disagreed with Tinubu’s defence, saying evidence suggests Christians in Nigeria face serious threats. In a Fox News interview, Moore claimed the ratio of Christian to Muslim deaths in recent attacks is *five to one*.
He also said the US has a duty to act when people face persecution, adding that sanctions, funding restrictions, and even military options were being considered.
Pope Leo XIV Expresses Concern
Pope Leo XIV also expressed sadness over attacks on Christians in Nigeria and other countries. In a post shared on his X account, he mentioned Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and Bangladesh as areas where worshippers face increasing danger.
Not All US Officials Expect Military Action
Despite Trump’s threatening language, US Congressman Bill Huizenga told Arise TV that he does *not* expect the US to launch military strikes in Nigeria. He believes Trump mainly wants the killings to stop and may focus on sanctions rather than force.
Huizenga added that economic pressure could help disrupt terrorist financing and weaken armed groups causing instability in Nigeria.
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