End Rights Abuses to Exit CPC List, US Lawmaker Tells Nigeria
Nigeria could be removed from the United States’ Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list if it takes concrete steps to address ongoing human rights violations, US Congressman Chris Smith said on Thursday during a congressional hearing on alleged Christian persecution in the country.
The hearing followed former President Donald Trump’s recent claim that a “Christian genocide” is happening in Nigeria, alongside his announcement that the country would be designated a CPC. The Federal Government has denied any religious motive behind the insecurity, insisting that the crisis is driven by criminal activities rather than faith-based violence.
Despite the government’s position, US officials remain concerned. Representative Smith reminded lawmakers that the CPC designation is not permanent and emphasised that Nigeria must demonstrate accountability.
He noted that he had met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and his delegation: “I raised the point that CPC is not forever. You can get off it. My message to the Nigerian delegation was simple: we want you to succeed. Eliminate this cancer that targets moderate Muslims and Christians alike.”
Smith, who chaired the hearing, criticised what he described as a “culture of denial” that prevents meaningful progress on religious persecution and human trafficking in Nigeria.
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