Nigerian Center and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) have at different times stressed the increasing threat to religious freedom in Nigeria. In May, the Nigerian Center held a debate to discuss the deteriorating situation and its implications. However, recently the USCIRF called for Congress to name Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern outright.
In January 2023, U.S. Representative Christopher H. Smith introduced House Resolution 82, calling for Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to egregious religious freedom violations. The resolution, supported by 30 co-sponsors – 29 Republicans and 1 Democrat – ignited a debate organized by Nigerian Center
The debate – which held on May 28 during the Nigerian Center’s community meeting – featured representatives from various international organizations including International Christian Concern, Foundation for Religious Freedom, International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), and Governance Advancement Initiative for Nigeria (GAIN).
McKenna Wendt from International Christian Concern cited blasphemy laws targeting religious minorities and government tolerance of extremist groups like Boko Haram. Kola Alapinni, an international human rights lawyer, warned against global indifference to increasing violence in Nigeria as in the 1994 Rwandan genocide
Stephen Enada of the International Committee on Nigeria highlighted extensive documentation of atrocities, addressing concerns raised by the U.S. State Department on ‘lack of documentation’. Adding heat to the debate favouring Nigeria being made a CPC, Drew Bowling, a former Congressional staffer, noted that 90% of Christian persecutions resulting in death occur in Nigeria though the House of Commons holds that the actual percentage is about 82%.
However, Dr. Malcolm Fabiyi of the Governance Advancement Initiative for Nigeria (GAIN) presented holds that most arguments for a CPC status are based on assumptions. He challenged the House Resolution 82, stating that both Christians and Muslims suffer from violence in Nigeria. Fabiyi warned that CPC designation could harm those it intends to protect by potentially limiting humanitarian aid and cultural exchange programs.
He stated that Nigeria’s core problem lies in corruption within the military and political classes, rather than religious persecution. To tackle this, he suggested alternative measures such as visa restrictions on corrupt politicians, instead of country-wide sanctions.
The debate highlights the complexity of Nigeria’s religious and security landscape. As House Resolution 82 moves through Congress, its potential impact on U.S.-Nigeria relations and religious freedom in the region remains a subject of intense discussion, underscoring the need for best approaches to addressing human rights concerns in complex geopolitical situations.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently stressed this in a recent report and also recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” The report criticized the Nigerian government for enforcing blasphemy laws, upholding of Shari’a, and tolerance of extremist organizations that affect all faiths in the country.
The USCIRF is an independent entity established by Congress to monitor global threats to religious freedom. Its 2024 Annual Report recommends 17 countries for designation as Countries of Particular Concern due to severe violations. The report highlights trends like transnational repression and rising antisemitism. USCIRF provides foreign policy recommendations to promote freedom of religion, ensuring this fundamental right remains a priority in U.S. foreign policy.
Nigerian Center is the first immigrant and cultural center for the Nigerian diaspora in the United States. Located in Washington D.C., it serves as a hub for Nigerian immigrants and their families, offering a range of services such as legal aid, homeownership, entrepreneurship and cultural programs to support their integration and success in American society.
