On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold an open hearing to discuss President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
If the Senate ratifies the CPC designation, the US could prosecute Nigerian authorities involved in religious persecution and limit bilateral aid, reported The PUNCH.
It also warns the world that Nigerian religious freedom is in danger.
Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) will chair the hearing, which will be broadcast live from Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building at 11:00 am.
Two panels will include senior US State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders.
The invitation to the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ open hearing by the Subcommittee on Africa at 11:00 a.m. was seen by our correspondent. in Rayburn House Office Building Room 2172.”
The invite mentions Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official of the Bureau of African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, as panelists.
The second panel will include Nina Shea, Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi Catholic Diocese in Nigeria, and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic & International Studies.
The congressional hearing will examine Nigeria’s religious persecution and possible policy solutions, such as targeted sanctions, humanitarian aid, and engagement with Nigerian authorities to stop violence.
President Trump declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom issues on October 31, 2025. Nigerian Christians are being attacked more often, prompting calls for US action.
Trump named Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for suspected religious freedom breaches, including Christian persecution.
With extreme Islamists killing thousands of Christians in Nigeria, he said Christianity is under danger.
Trump threatened military intervention if Nigeria did not handle the situation.
The US President also warned to shut off all help to Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu fails to stop Christian persecution and murders.
“If the Nigerian government continues to kill Christians, the US will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may go in ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.
“I am ordering our Department of War to prepare for action. He stated on November 1, 2025, that we will attack quickly, viciously, and sweetly like terrorist thugs attack our beloved Christians.
The claim misrepresented Nigeria’s religious realities, according to President Tinubu.
Tinubu responded on his official X feed that the assertion flouted the country’s fundamental commitment to religious freedoms.
‘Nigeria is a democracy with constitutional religious liberty safeguards. Religion-intolerant Nigeria is not the reality.
“Religious freedom and tolerance will always be central to our identity. Nigeria condemns and discourages religious persecution, the President remarked.
Trump’s decision follows Islamic extremist deaths, kidnappings, and church damage in Nigeria.
The US Senate is also considering the bill, supported by Ted Cruz.
Trump named Nigeria CPC in 2020, but Joe Biden revoked it after beating Trump.
Bishop Anagbe, who will speak at the House Committee meeting, recently expressed alarm over Christian deaths.
Bishop Anagbe condemned Islamist radicals and Fulani herdsmen for killing Christians during a UK Parliament event on March 25, 2025.
He told legislators how his congregation had been evacuated to IDP camps after their homes were burned down while visiting the UK as a guest of Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need.
The bishop said Islamist fanatics and Fulani herdsmen had driven farmers from their land, torched churches, and killed priests, religious, and lay people in Benue State.
Militant Fulani herdsmen attack helpless peasants without consequence.
The orders are to conquer, murder, and occupy. They target even those who escaped into our IDP camps, he warned UK legislators.
Congressman challenges Tinubu
On Sunday, Riley Moore (R-WV) told Fox News, “We’ve already started that investigation, and it’s the House Appropriations Committee; we’re working with the other relevant stakeholders in Congress, including the Foreign Affairs Committee.
In collaboration with leadership, convey findings to the President promptly after gathering true ground truth from our perspective.
We’re constantly coordinating and communicating with the State Department and other White House officials on this topic. Get to the bottom of this.”
He added the country’s situation “is horrific – these killings of brothers and sisters in Christ, but we, and as President Trump has said it, we’re going to stop this.”
Moore replied to Tinubu’s argument that Trump’s claims don’t reflect Nigeria’s reality, “Unfortunately, that is entirely wrong. Blasphemy against Islam is punishable by death in some Nigerian states.
One individual is in prison for defending himself from a Fulani Muslim extremist.
“He defended himself and faces death. This is a real persecution in Nigeria, and President Tinubu, who is in a tough position and attempting to safeguard his interests there, is participating in this to some degree with statements like this.”
Moore added, “There are Muslims that are being killed there, but the deaths that we have been able to garner from the facts on the ground are five to one, five to one Christians versus other minority, other religious affiliations in that country.”
He claimed, “It is five (Christians) to one Muslim who is killed in Nigeria.”
Moore replied, “I think we absolutely do,” when asked if the US should intervene in another sovereign country’s internal matter. We are a Christian nation that values defending the persecuted.
The designation of a country as a Country of Particular Concern allows the President to employ sanctions, withhold development funds, and limit financial institution financing.
“So there’s a lot that can be done there, but the President has considered all options, including military kinetic action.”
Pope laments violence
Pope Leo XIV expresses concern over Christian violence in Nigeria and elsewhere.
Two weeks after President Trump threatened military action in Nigeria over an alleged Christian genocide, the Pope made his comment on Sunday.
The Pope complained about Christian persecution on his verified X handle, @Pontifex.
He said Nigeria, other African countries, and Bangladesh in South Asia were hotspots for worship center attacks.
Worldwide, Christians face discrimination and persecution. The Pope cited Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other nations where people and places of worship are routinely attacked. “God is merciful and wants peace for His children! ”
His prayers were also for the families of Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where civilians were massacred in recent days. Please pray that all violence ends and that believers work together for the common good.”
US congressman’s defense
In an Arise TV interview last week, US Congressman Bill Huizenga claimed Trump was unlikely to attack Nigeria.
Trump likely intended to stop the killings of Christians and other Nigerians, the legislator said.
“I too was surprised by the comments that they came out; that the President (Trump) came out that forcefully. I suspect that that is not a high priority of having actual military intervention, specifically in Nigeria.
“But I think he does want to make sure that, from his view, the genocide that is happening specifically against Christians, but also others in Nigeria, needs to stop.
“While I don’t envision a surprise attack, I don’t envision a military response,” he said.
He continued, “Frankly, this President has been someone who has pursued peace rather than just expanding war. So I think he would be selective before acting militarily.”
Economic sanctions would deter terrorist funding, he said.
“Sanctions cut off money and travel. The Fulani or Boko Haram may have funded many of these operations.
I think it will be positive if we put economic pressure on them and make it hard to move money, he said.
He urged the Nigerian government to combat insecurity.
FG peacemakers
The President sent Dr. Abiodun Essiet to Plateau State on Thursday to promote peace and intercommunal harmony.
Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement in the North Central Zone Essiet met Christian clerics and Fulani Miyetti Allah leaders.
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, the Regional Church Council Chairman in Barkin Ladi and a representative for Christian communities in the state, received her courtesy visit.
Essiet also met privately with the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah, and Bassa LGA Youth Council leaders, according to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).
Essiet said the president was committed to peace and inclusive administration and that the community-based peace structure promoted grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability in the North Central region.
David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in Gyel, Jos South, and some herdsmen resolved their dispute during the visit.
Toma took two cows when his farm burned down, according to the statement.
Toma freed the cows when Alhaji Isah Yau, MACBAN Chairman of Bassa LG, paid N500,000 on November 15. In an open hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will examine President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. All parties signed an undertaking to promote peace in the state.
If the Senate ratifies the CPC designation, the US could prosecute Nigerian authorities involved in religious persecution and limit bilateral aid, reported The PUNCH.
It also warns the world that Nigerian religious freedom is in danger.
Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) will chair the hearing, which will be broadcast live from Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building at 11:00 am.
Two panels will include senior US State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders.
The invitation to the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ open hearing by the Subcommittee on Africa at 11:00 a.m. was seen by our correspondent. in Rayburn House Office Building Room 2172.”
The invite mentions Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official of the Bureau of African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, as panelists.
The second panel will include Nina Shea, Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi Catholic Diocese in Nigeria, and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic & International Studies.
The congressional hearing will examine Nigeria’s religious persecution and possible policy solutions, such as targeted sanctions, humanitarian aid, and engagement with Nigerian authorities to stop violence.
President Trump declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom issues on October 31, 2025. Nigerian Christians are being attacked more often, prompting calls for US action.
Trump named Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for suspected religious freedom breaches, including Christian persecution.
With extreme Islamists killing thousands of Christians in Nigeria, he said Christianity is under danger.
Trump threatened military intervention if Nigeria did not handle the situation.
The US President also warned to shut off all help to Nigeria if President Bola Tinubu fails to stop Christian persecution and murders.
“If the Nigerian government continues to kill Christians, the US will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria and may go in ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.
“I am ordering our Department of War to prepare for action. He stated on November 1, 2025, that we will attack quickly, viciously, and sweetly like terrorist thugs attack our beloved Christians.
The claim misrepresented Nigeria’s religious realities, according to President Tinubu.
Tinubu responded on his official X feed that the assertion flouted the country’s fundamental commitment to religious freedoms.
‘Nigeria is a democracy with constitutional religious liberty safeguards. Religion-intolerant Nigeria is not the reality.
“Religious freedom and tolerance will always be central to our identity. Nigeria condemns and discourages religious persecution, the President remarked.
Trump’s decision follows Islamic extremist deaths, kidnappings, and church damage in Nigeria.
The US Senate is also considering the bill, supported by Ted Cruz.
Trump named Nigeria CPC in 2020, but Joe Biden revoked it after beating Trump.
Bishop Anagbe, who will speak at the House Committee meeting, recently expressed alarm over Christian deaths.
Bishop Anagbe condemned Islamist radicals and Fulani herdsmen for killing Christians during a UK Parliament event on March 25, 2025.
He told legislators how his congregation had been evacuated to IDP camps after their homes were burned down while visiting the UK as a guest of Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need.
The bishop said Islamist fanatics and Fulani herdsmen had driven farmers from their land, torched churches, and killed priests, religious, and lay people in Benue State.
Militant Fulani herdsmen attack helpless peasants without consequence.
The orders are to conquer, murder, and occupy. They target even those who escaped into our IDP camps, he warned UK legislators.
Congressman challenges Tinubu
On Sunday, Riley Moore (R-WV) told Fox News, “We’ve already started that investigation, and it’s the House Appropriations Committee; we’re working with the other relevant stakeholders in Congress, including the Foreign Affairs Committee.
In collaboration with leadership, convey findings to the President promptly after gathering true ground truth from our perspective.
We’re constantly coordinating and communicating with the State Department and other White House officials on this topic. Get to the bottom of this.”
He added the country’s situation “is horrific – these killings of brothers and sisters in Christ, but we, and as President Trump has said it, we’re going to stop this.”
Moore replied to Tinubu’s argument that Trump’s claims don’t reflect Nigeria’s reality, “Unfortunately, that is entirely wrong. Blasphemy against Islam is punishable by death in some Nigerian states.
One individual is in prison for defending himself from a Fulani Muslim extremist.
“He defended himself and faces death. This is a real persecution in Nigeria, and President Tinubu, who is in a tough position and attempting to safeguard his interests there, is participating in this to some degree with statements like this.”
Moore added, “There are Muslims that are being killed there, but the deaths that we have been able to garner from the facts on the ground are five to one, five to one Christians versus other minority, other religious affiliations in that country.”
He claimed, “It is five (Christians) to one Muslim who is killed in Nigeria.”
Moore replied, “I think we absolutely do,” when asked if the US should intervene in another sovereign country’s internal matter. We are a Christian nation that values defending the persecuted.
The designation of a country as a Country of Particular Concern allows the President to employ sanctions, withhold development funds, and limit financial institution financing.
“So there’s a lot that can be done there, but the President has considered all options, including military kinetic action.”
Pope laments violence
Pope Leo XIV expresses alarm over Christian violence in Nigeria and elsewhere.
Two weeks after President Trump threatened military action in Nigeria over an alleged Christian genocide, the Pope made his comment on Sunday.
The Pope complained about Christian persecution on his verified X handle, @Pontifex.
He said Nigeria, several African countries, and Bangladesh in South Asia were hotspots for worship center attacks.
Worldwide, Christians face discrimination and persecution. The Pope cited Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and other nations where people and places of worship are routinely attacked. “God is merciful and wants peace for His children! ”
His prayers were also for the families of Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where civilians were massacred in recent days. Please pray that all violence ends and that believers work together for the common good.”
US congressman’s defense
In an Arise TV interview last week, US Congressman Bill Huizenga claimed Trump was unlikely to attack Nigeria.
Trump likely intended to stop the killings of Christians and other Nigerians, the legislator said.
“I was surprised by the comments and how forcefully the President (Trump) spoke. That may not be a priority for military action in Nigeria.
“I think he wants to stop the genocide against Christians and others in Nigeria, from his perspective.
“While I don’t envision a surprise attack, I don’t envision a military response,” he said.
He said, “Frankly, this President has pursued peace rather than expanding war. So I think he would be selective before acting militarily.”
Economic sanctions would dissuade terrorist funding, he said.
“Sanctions cut off money and travel. The Fulani or Boko Haram may have funded several of these operations.
I think it will be great if we put economic pressure on them and make it hard to move money, he said.
He urged the Nigerian government to combat insecurity.
FG peacemakers
The President sent Dr. Abiodun Essiet to Plateau State on Thursday to promote peace and intercommunal harmony.
Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement in the North Central Zone Essiet met Christian priests and Fulani Miyetti Allah leaders.
Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, the Regional Church Council Chairman in Barkin Ladi and a representative for Christian communities in the state, received her courtesy visit.
Essiet also met privately with the Irigwe community, Miyetti Allah, and Bassa LGA Youth Council leaders, according to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).
Essiet said the president was committed to peace and inclusive administration and that the community-based peace structure promoted grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability in the North Central region.
David Toma, owner of Agha Farm in Gyel, Jos South, and some herdsmen resolved their dispute during the visit.
Toma took two cows when his farm burned down, according to the statement.
Toma freed the cows when Alhaji Isah Yau, MACBAN Chairman of Bassa LG, paid N500,000 on November 15. All parties pledged state peace, the statement said.
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