Washington, DC – 31 October 2025 – US President Donald Trump has re-designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing what he described as existential threats to Christianity in the West African nation. The move, announced today, comes in response to reports of widespread persecution and killings of Christians by militants, which advocacy groups claim amount to thousands of deaths annually.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that “radical Islamists” are responsible for “mass slaughter” in Nigeria, where Christianity faces an “existential threat.” He referenced data from the international Christian advocacy group Open Doors, which ranks Nigeria as the seventh-most dangerous country for Christians on its World Watch List. Open Doors has reported that nearly 70% of global Christian martyrdoms occur in Nigeria, underscoring the scale of the violence.
The designation as a CPC under the US International Religious Freedom Act allows for potential sanctions against countries deemed to engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom. Nigeria was first labelled a CPC during Trump’s previous administration in 2020 but was removed from the list under President Joe Biden. This re-designation has reignited diplomatic tensions between Washington and Abuja, with Nigerian officials yet to respond publicly to the announcement.
Advocacy groups and US lawmakers have long pressed for this action. A recent letter from religious freedom advocates urged Trump to impose the designation, pointing to possible economic punishments among 15 available measures under US law. Utah Congressman Chris Stewart, among others, has insisted on holding Nigeria accountable, particularly following incidents such as the killing of Pastor Yahaya Kambasya and the kidnapping of 20 worshippers by bandits.
Critics of the decision argue that it could strain US-Nigeria relations at a time when cooperation on security and economic issues is crucial. However, supporters maintain that the move is necessary to address what some have termed a “Christian genocide” in the region. Trump expressed concern that Christianity is “on the verge of extinction” in parts of Nigeria due to ongoing attacks.
The US State Department has not yet detailed specific sanctions that may follow, but the designation signals a tougher stance on religious persecution under the current administration. As the news breaks, international observers are watching closely for Nigeria’s official reaction and any potential impact on bilateral ties.
