-
US congressman Chris Smith says Nigeria can leave the CPC list if it tackles human rights abuses and religious violence.
-
At a congressional hearing, he criticised Nigeria’s “culture of denial” over attacks on Christians and vulnerable groups.
-
Smith urges visible accountability, improved policing, and prompt investigation of extremist violence.
A United States lawmaker, Chris Smith, has stated that Nigeria can be removed from the US “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) list if it demonstrates concrete progress in ending human rights violations and protecting vulnerable communities.
Smith made the comment on Thursday during a congressional hearing examining allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria. The hearing was convened in response to former US President Donald Trump’s claim that a “Christian genocide” is underway in the country—an allegation the Nigerian government has consistently disputed.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
While the Federal Government maintains that insecurity is driven by criminality rather than religious motives, US officials remain alarmed by persistent reports of targeted attacks.
Smith, who chaired the session, stressed that the CPC designation is not irreversible. He disclosed that he recently met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and conveyed Washington’s expectation of measurable improvement.
READ ALSO: Alia Denies Claims of Religious Genocide in Benue Amid U.S. Pressure on Nigeria
He urged Nigerian authorities to confront what he described as a “culture of denial” surrounding religiously motivated violence and human trafficking. According to him, accountability, justice, and effective policing remain central to rebuilding trust.
The lawmaker criticised security agencies for slow or inadequate responses to attacks and the lack of thorough investigations, particularly in cases involving extremist groups like Boko Haram. He emphasised that Nigeria must address the root causes and motivations of violent actors to achieve lasting stability.
Smith noted that the International Religious Freedom Act and other US statutes will continue to shape how Washington evaluates the Nigerian government’s actions.
He concluded that Nigeria’s removal from the CPC list will depend on clear, verified progress in safeguarding citizens and enforcing human rights protections.
