The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The hearing will discuss President Donald Trump’s recent decision to label Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) because of alleged religious persecution.
If the U.S. Senate agrees with this designation, it could allow the U.S. to place sanctions on Nigerian officials involved in religious discrimination. It could also limit certain forms of aid and signal to other countries that religious freedom in Nigeria is in danger.
The hearing will take place at 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and will also be streamed live. Representative Chris Smith (R–New Jersey) will lead the session.
Two groups of witnesses will speak. The first group includes senior U.S. State Department officials Jonathan Pratt and Jacob McGee. The second group includes religious and policy experts: Nina Shea, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe from Nigeria, and Oge Onubogu from the Center for Strategic & International Studies.
The hearing will examine the level of religious violence in Nigeria and possible actions the U.S. government may take, such as sanctions, humanitarian support, or working with Nigerian authorities to stop attacks.
President Trump officially added Nigeria to the CPC list on October 31, 2025, accusing the government of allowing severe religious discrimination, especially against Christians. He claimed thousands of Christians have been killed by extremist groups and warned the U.S. might stop all aid or even consider military action if Nigeria does not improve the situation.
Trump said he had instructed the U.S. Department of Defense to prepare for possible action and warned the response would be strong if necessary.
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, rejected Trump’s claims. He said Nigeria protects religious freedom under its constitution and does not support religious persecution.
Despite the disagreement, reports of attacks on Christian communities continue, including killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of churches.
The CPC decision is also being reviewed by the U.S. Senate, with Senator Ted Cruz sponsoring related legislation. Nigeria was first added to the CPC list in 2020 under Trump, but President Joe Biden removed it in 2021.
Bishop Anagbe, who will speak at the hearing, previously told UK lawmakers that extremist groups and militant herdsmen had killed civilians, burned churches, and forced thousands of Christians into camps for displaced people.
Some U.S. lawmakers have strongly supported Trump’s position. Congressman Riley Moore said the killings are serious and that the U.S. must act. He argued that Christians are being killed at a far higher rate than Muslims in Nigeria and claimed the Nigerian government is not doing enough.
When asked whether the U.S. should interfere in another country’s internal affairs, Moore said the U.S. has a responsibility to defend persecuted people and noted that sanctions, financial restrictions, or even military action are possible options.
The ongoing discussion has also drawn international attention. Pope Leo XIV recently expressed concern about violence against Christians in Nigeria and other countries.
Some U.S. lawmakers, however, do not believe military action will happen. Congressman Bill Huizenga said Trump likely wants the violence to stop but military intervention is unlikely. Instead, he believes sanctions could pressure those responsible for the attacks by limiting their ability to move money or receive support.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has taken steps toward peace. President Tinubu sent Dr. Abiodun Essiet to Plateau State to meet Christian community leaders and Fulani herders to ease tensions. During the visit, a long-standing dispute between a farmer and herdsmen was resolved, with compensation paid and both sides agreeing to main
