Nigeria could potentially be removed from the United States’ ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) list if it takes meaningful steps to address human rights abuses, a member of the US House of Representatives, Chris Smith, said on Thursday during a congressional hearing on allegations of Christian persecution in the country.
The open hearing followed claims by Donald Trump of an ongoing “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, which led to the country being designated as a CPC.
The Federal Government, however, has rejected allegations of religiously motivated violence, attributing insecurity instead to general criminal activity.
Despite Nigeria’s stance, US officials continue to express concerns about human rights violations. Representative Smith, who chaired the hearing, stressed that the CPC designation is not permanent and encouraged Nigeria to demonstrate accountability.
“Last night, and I know others met with the delegation (the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, with his delegation) who travelled down here. I know they are meeting with you (referring to the US Officials Jonathan Pratt and Jacob McGee) and others at the Department of State. I raised a point that CPC is not forever. You can get off of it. My argument last night to the Nigerian delegation is that ‘we want you to succeed. Get rid of this cancer that hates moderate Muslims and hates Christians,’” he said.
Smith criticised what he called a “culture of denial” in Nigeria, which he said hampers efforts to tackle religious persecution and human trafficking. He urged the government to actively prosecute perpetrators and protect vulnerable communities.
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“Show us that it’s not you. Open it all up. Where are the prosecutions? We hear from so many Christians that they dial in to the police, and nobody shows up. And then there is no investigation. One of my sons is a detective. You have got to do detective work. Find out who it is, and put them in jail if they’re guilty. And that’s not happening,” Smith stated.
He also highlighted attacks by Boko Haram targeting Christians and moderate Muslims, emphasizing the need to understand the motives behind the violence. Smith referenced the International Religious Freedom Act and other laws he helped pass as tools to hold governments accountable.
Smith concluded that Nigeria’s removal from the CPC list depends on measurable progress. “We’re just looking for progress. We are standing with your oppressed people. These Nigerians are not Americans. We are talking about the country, and we stand in solidarity with the oppressed and not the oppressor,” he said.