The United States House of Representatives has fixed November 20, 2025, for an open hearing in Washington to examine President Donald Trump’s recent decision to list Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues. The hearing will be held at the Rayburn House Office Building and will be handled by the Subcommittee on Africa, led by Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey.
The inquiry will look into Trump’s claim that Christians in Nigeria are under heavy attack and that the Nigerian Government has failed to protect them. If the US Senate accepts the CPC designation, it could allow America to place sanctions on Nigerian officials linked to religious persecution and cut certain forms of support to the country. The hearing will feature officials from the US State Department and religious leaders from both the United States and Nigeria.
Two groups of witnesses are expected. The first will include senior officials from the Bureau of African Affairs and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. The second will include experts from international organisations and Nigerian church leaders. They are expected to give reports on attacks on Christian communities, the destruction of churches, and the displacement of villagers in states affected by insurgency and communal violence.
Trump had announced the CPC designation on October 31, saying Nigeria was facing severe attacks on Christian communities. His statement caused reactions across the world and sparked debates about possible US involvement. He warned that the US could apply strict measures if the Nigerian government did not act. His words renewed global attention on long-standing attacks by extremist groups, militant herdsmen, and criminal networks targeting both Christians and Muslims in different parts of the country.
President Bola Tinubu responded through a statement on his official social media page. He said Nigeria remains a country guided by its constitution, which gives room for freedom of worship. He maintained that the country does not support persecution of any group and that its multi-religious nature has always been part of its national character.
Nigeria had first been placed on the CPC list in 2020 during Trump’s earlier term, but the country was later removed by President Joe Biden. The issue has now returned following renewed attacks in several states. Church leaders, including Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, have continued to speak about killings, burnt villages, and residents taking refuge in camps after repeated attacks by armed groups.
Members of the US Congress have also reacted. Some lawmakers say they are already studying the situation with support from the State Department. They claim the deaths recorded in affected areas fall more on Christian communities than others. They argue that the US has a duty to respond through sanctions, aid restrictions, or other steps allowed under the CPC category. Others believe military action is unlikely, saying economic measures would be more effective in cutting off funding for extremist groups.
Meanwhile, the Pope has joined global figures expressing concern. He noted that Christians in Nigeria, Bangladesh, Mozambique, Sudan, and other regions continue to face attacks on places of worship and communities. He called for peace and protection of all citizens.
Back in Nigeria, the Federal Government has continued peace efforts, especially in Plateau State, where long-standing clashes between farmers and herdsmen have led to several deaths and displacement. President Tinubu sent Dr Abiodun Essiet to meet Christian leaders, Fulani groups, and community representatives to discuss ways to restore calm. The meeting resulted in the resolution of a dispute involving destroyed farmland and seized cattle, with compensation paid and both sides agreeing to maintain peace.
As the US hearing approaches, more attention is shifting to how both countries will handle the rising concerns over safety, religious freedom, and community stability in Nigeria.