Nigeria Extremely Important to US, Lawmaker Warns Against One‑Sided Narratives!

Nigeria Extremely Important to US, Lawmaker Warns Against One‑Sided Narratives!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The United States House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Africa emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance during a Thursday hearing investigating the country’s recent designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). U.S. legislators cautioned against simplifying Nigeria’s security crisis into one‑dimensional religious or ethnic narratives. [1]

“Nigeria is a key partner in Africa. We must avoid framing its myriad challenges through a single lens,” said Subcommittee Chair Chris Smith. [2]

Key Details:

• The hearing, titled “Conflict and Persecution in Nigeria: The Case for a CPC Designation”, convened on 12 March 2025, in Washington D.C. [3]
• Major witnesses included Nigerian Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe and African affairs experts, warning that violence in Nigeria spans land‑resource conflict, terrorism, and communal strife—not just religious persecution. [4]
• The CPC designation is being reviewed by Congress amid concerns about possible U.S. sanctions or reduced cooperation if Nigeria fails to meet expectations on religious freedom. [5]

Why It Matters:

Nigeria is the continent’s largest economy and most populous country; U.S. policy shifts here could ripple across West Africa.

• Framing Nigeria’s crisis narrowly (e.g., as solely religious persecution) risks misdirecting aid, diplomatic strategy and response measures.
• The hearing signals that U.S. lawmakers may push for more nuanced, multi‑factor engagement rather than checkbox designations.

What to Watch:

• Upcoming actions by the U.S. State Department regarding Nigeria’s CPC status.
• Whether U.S. Congress introduces bills linking assistance or security partnerships to reforms in Nigeria.
• Nigeria’s diplomatic response—especially how Abuja positions the security‑vs‑religion narrative abroad.

Citations:

1. Republican Foreign Affairs Committee: foreignaffairs.house.gov/committee-activity/hearings/president-trump-s-redesignation-of-nigeria-as-a-country-of-particular-concern-cpc-a-serious-well-founded-wake-up-call?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Truth Nigeria: truthnigeria.com/2025/03/religious-cleansing-needs-to-stop-in-nigeria-u-s-congressman/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Congress.gov: www.congress.gov/event/119th-congress/house-event/118015?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Wilson Center: www.wilsoncenter.org/article/oge-onubogu-testifies-us-house-representatives-conflict-and-persecution-nigeria-and-case?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. Telegraph: telegraph.ng/news/2025/11/17/us-congress-to-probe-alleged-christian-genocide-in-nigeria-thursday/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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