US Congress is set to commence public hearing on Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a high-profile public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to examine former President Donald Trump’s move to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.
This Nigeria news platform understands that if affirmed by the US Senate, the CPC designation could trigger targeted sanctions against Nigerian officials, restrict certain bilateral engagements, and reshape America’s diplomatic posture toward Abuja.
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US Lawmakers Set to Grill State Department, Hear From Nigerian Faith Leaders
The hearing, scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). The session will be open to the public and streamed online.
Two panels will testify:
US officials: Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs; Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
Faith leaders and analysts: Nina Shea (Center for Religious Freedom), Bishop Wilfred Anagbe (Makurdi Catholic Diocese), and Oge Onubogu (CSIS).
Lawmakers are expected to evaluate the scale of religious persecution in Nigeria and consider possible US responses ranging from sanctions to increased humanitarian engagement.
Trump: Nigeria Failing to Stop ‘Killing of Christians’
Trump’s redesignation on October 31 reignited global debate. He alleged grave violations of religious freedom and mass killings of Christians, warning the US could halt aid and consider military intervention.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA may go in ‘guns-a-blazing’ to wipe out the Islamic terrorists committing these atrocities,” Trump said on November 1.
Tinubu Rejects Trump’s Claims
President Bola Tinubu dismissed the allegations, insisting they misrepresent Nigeria’s religious climate.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said. “We oppose religious persecution and do not encourage it.”
Nigeria was previously placed on the CPC list in 2020 under Trump, but President Joe Biden removed it upon assuming office.
Bishop Anagbe to Testify on Worsening Violence
Bishop Wilfred Anagbe — scheduled to appear before Congress — has long raised alarms over attacks on Christian communities. At a March 25, 2025, UK Parliamentary session, he described mass displacement, killings, and village burnings in Benue State by extremist groups and armed militias.
“The militant Fulani herdsmen bear down on defenceless villagers without consequence,” he said.
US Lawmakers Challenge Tinubu
Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), speaking on Fox News, insisted Christian deaths significantly outnumber casualties from other groups.
“Unfortunately, Tinubu’s statement is completely false… there is serious persecution happening in Nigeria,” he said, adding that the CPC status empowers sanctions and even military options.
Rep. Bill Huizenga, however, told Arise TV that a US military strike was unlikely but warned that economic sanctions could pressure Nigeria to act.
Pope Leo XIV Weighs In
Pope Leo XIV also expressed concern about global Christian persecution, citing Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sudan, and calling for prayers for victims of recent massacres in DR Congo.
FG Strengthens Peace Efforts Amid Global Scrutiny
Amid intensifying international pressure, President Tinubu dispatched Dr. Abiodun Essiet, his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), to Plateau State to reinforce peace-building efforts.
Essiet met Christian and Miyetti Allah leaders, held closed-door reconciliation sessions, and supervised the resolution of a farmer-herder dispute in Bassa LGA — culminating in a N500,000 compensation payment and the release of two seized cows.
“All parties signed an undertaking to embrace peace,” the Presidency said.
More updates to follow…
