4/10/2025 U.S./Nigeria (International Christian Concern) — To address the challenges surrounding religious freedom in Nigeria, U.S. Representative Christopher Smith (R-NJ-4) has put forth H. Res.220, calling on the Trump administration to once again classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. 

Introduced on March 11 and currently under review by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, this resolution reflects the U.S. Congress’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of religious violence in Nigeria. It highlights the need for stronger protective measures for vulnerable communities, particularly Christians and moderate Muslims. 

For more than a decade, Nigeria has experienced an alarming rise in violence perpetrated by extremist groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and radicalized Fulani militants. As reported by Open Doors USA, Nigeria has been identified as one of the most perilous countries for Christians, with more than 5,000 believers tragically losing their lives in 2023 alone, surpassing any other nation. 

Unfortunately, more than 18,000 churches have suffered damage or destruction since 2009, with entire Christian communities decimated and countless women and girls abducted, facing forced conversions or sexual slavery. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicates that the ongoing violence has resulted in more than 3.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 343,000 registered Nigerian refugees in surrounding countries. 

Peacebuilding efforts are often met with resistance, with Christian and Muslim leaders advocating for dialogue frequently facing threats or violence. Many peace advocates have experienced severe repercussions, including disappearance or murder, while activists and journalists working to expose religious persecution encounter intimidation and unjust treatment. 

In 2020, the U.S. Department of State recognized Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to the severity of religious freedom violations. However, the subsequent removal of this designation in 2021 raised concerns among human rights organizations. Critics pointed out that Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s assertion that the violence was not religiously motivated contradicted extensive documentation from Amnesty International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Open Doors, and Human Rights Watch regarding systematic attacks on religious minorities. 

In 12 northern Nigerian states, the dual application of Sharia law alongside the secular legal system has led to serious ramifications, including blasphemy charges, mob violence, and extrajudicial killings. One notable instance involved a Christian student who was tragically killed by classmates over allegations of blasphemy, illustrating the risks faced by dissenters and religious minorities under these laws. 

“Religious freedom is a fundamental human right,” Smith said. “Nigeria’s failure to hold accountable those who perpetrate violence sends a troubling message of impunity. H. Res.220 represents a meaningful initiative to restore the U.S. commitment to defending this right.” 

International Christian Concern (ICC) staffers in Nigeria and allied organizations strongly encourage the U.S. Congress to support H.Res.220, advocating for the State Department to reinstate Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern. This call to action is pivotal for the well-being of countless lives affected by ongoing violence and persecution.

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