U.S. Rep. Chris Smith called for Nigeria to be redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern due to grave religious freedom violations. A congressional hearing featured testimonies highlighting systemic violence against Christians, the lack of justice for victims, and the government’s failure to protect its citizens. Smith’s proposed legislation aims to renew efforts to assist persecuted religious groups in Nigeria.
U.S. Representative Chris Smith (NJ-04), serving as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, recently convened a congressional hearing to address continuing violations of religious freedom in Nigeria. Expert witnesses supported Smith’s call for Secretary Marco Rubio to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a status initially applied during President Trump’s first term to aid Nigerian Christians facing persecution.
During the hearing, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe from Makurdi, Nigeria, delivered a compelling testimony, stating that “Militant Fulani herdsmen are terrorists. They steal and vandalize, they kill and boast about it, they kidnap and rape, and they enjoy total impunity from elected officials.” Chairman Smith highlighted concerns over the lack of accountability for such crimes.
Smith criticized the reversal of Nigeria’s status by Secretary Blinken in November 2021, which had previously been designated as a Country of Particular Concern by President Trump in December 2020. He conveyed the outrage felt by Nigerian religious leaders regarding this unexpected change. Furthermore, Smith emphasized that despite constitutional protections, the Nigerian Government has not addressed the severe pattern of persecution against Christians.
Additionally, he referenced Genocide Watch’s alarming assessment that Nigeria has become a “killing field of defenseless Christians.” Reports indicate that over 52,000 Christians and around 34,000 moderate Muslims have been killed since 2009, leading to approximately five million individuals displaced by violence.
Last year, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed Smith’s resolution H. Res. 82, urging the Biden Administration to redesignate Nigeria. Although it passed in committee on February 6, 2024, it did not reach the House floor. Smith subsequently reintroduced his legislation as H.Res. 220 on March 11, 2025, underlining the urgency of the situation.
At the hearing named “Conflict and Persecution in Nigeria: The Case for a CPC Designation,” testimonies were provided by influential figures, including Nina Shea, Tony Perkins, and Bishop Anagbe, who elaborated on the grave implications of unchecked violence against Christians. Bishop Anagbe stated that there exists a systematic agenda aimed at erasing the Christian identity in Nigeria, characterized by violent and non-violent strategies.
Director Shea noted that Nigeria ranks as the deadliest country for Christians globally, with militant Fulani Muslim herders identified as a significant threat. Similarly, Tony Perkins remarked on the media’s failure to adequately cover the escalating violence perpetrated against Christians in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the ongoing violence and persecution faced by Christians in Nigeria demand immediate international attention and intervention. The congressional hearing led by U.S. Representative Chris Smith emphasizes the urgent need for the U.S. government to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern to safeguard religious freedom and hold the Nigerian government accountable for its inaction. The testimonies presented by experts illustrate a critical humanitarian crisis that must be addressed promptly to prevent further atrocities.
Original Source: anglican.ink
