US Lawmakers Go Review Nigeria CPC Status As Religious Persecution Wahala Deepens

US House Subcommittee on Africa go hold public hearing on November 20, 2025, to check President Donald Trump decision to tag Nigeria as Country of Particular Concern (CPC), wey fit lead to sanctions, restricted aid, and extra US watch on how Nigeria dey handle religious-freedom issues. Di hearing go happen for Rayburn House Office Building, Washington by 11:00 a.m., and e be di biggest congressional engagement so far on Trump claim say Christians dey face wide persecution for Nigeria. CPC label, wey dey wait Senate approval, fit allow US punish foreign officials wey dem feel dey involved for religious persecution, and e show di world say US believe religious freedom for Nigeria dey under serious threat. Di hearing go get two panels of witnesses, including senior State Department officials Jonathan Pratt and Jacob McGee, plus religious-freedom advocates and Nigerian clergy like Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Nina Shea.

President Trump spark controversy on October 31 wen e tag Nigeria CPC, accusing di government of allowing severe religious freedom violations and claiming say Christians dey face “existential threat” from extremist groups. E warn say US fit stop all forms of aid and even use military action if Nigeria no “stop di killing of Christians.” President Bola Tinubu sharply reject di claim, talk say e no true and Nigeria dey respect religious liberty for constitution. Some US lawmakers, like Rep. Riley Moore, still echo Trump worry, accusing Nigerian authorities of complicity, citing blasphemy laws and high-profile cases. International voices, like Pope Leo XIV, also express alarm over attacks on Christians for Nigeria. Meanwhile, Tinubu government dey step up local peace efforts; Abiodun Essiet visit Plateau State, meet Christian clerics, Fulani leaders and communities to solve local tensions and promote dialogue.