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For the second time in five years, Nigeria has found itself in a similar situation.designateda "country of particular concern" designated by the US government, on both occasions under President Donald Trump. The first instance was in2020but the title was discontinued in 2021.
The November 2025 reclassification stems, among other factors, from a campaign by U.S. congressman Riley Moore, who claimed there was an “disturbing and continuous harassment of Christians” in Nigeria.
Nigeria denied this assertion. President Bola Tinubu, in a declaration,arguedthat the American portrayal of Nigeria did not represent the nation's actual conditions or principles.
But what significance does the designation hold for Nigeria? And what actions should Nigeria take? As ascholarThose who have researched Nigeria's instability and identity issues may find these ideas useful.
Nigeria should stop the diplomatic conflict with the United States from escalating further and take firm action against instability for all its citizens.
To accomplish this, the Nigerian government must focus on more than just military strength. The nation requires reforms in governance and administration that give sub-national and local authorities the power to tackle local problems. This grassroots approach will be more effective in dealing with insecurity than the existing top-down method.
What is meant by 'country of particular concern'
The designation of a country as being of significant concern is detailed in the United States International Religious Freedom Act.(IRFA)from 1998. Under section 402 of the law, "country of particular concern" refers to a foreign nation whose government has committed or allowed particularly serious breaches of religious freedom among its people.
According to this definition, a nation might not personally engage in infringing upon its people's religious liberty, yet it could be held responsible for failing to take firm action against those who do.
A nation must first be added to a specific monitoring list. This enables an evaluation of whether there is a significant breach of religious freedom.
The label is a component of U.S. foreign policy aimed at advancing human rights worldwide.
Why was Nigeria granted this status?
Nigeria has been classified as a country of particular concern due to claims of "genocide" directed at Christians within its borders. Since gaining independence in 1960, conflicts based on identity have frequently occurred. However, a new aspect has arisen with the rise of terrorist organizations and the escalation of tensions between farmers and herders.
A studyA study carried out in early 2025 showed that from 2010 to 2022, a total of 230 attacks were directed at Christians, with 82 occurring between 2019 and 2022.
Other incidents, including the Runji killing in Kaduna State in April 2023, the Apata and Yelwata massacres in Benue State in March and June 2025 respectively, and the Mangu killings in Plateau State, have also occurred.
This indicates that there are specific assaults on Christians in certain areas of Nigeria. However, these represent a small portion of the attacks and fatalities caused by non-state armed groups throughout the nation.
As one study argued, Christians constitute approximately half of Nigeria's population, yet violence specifically targeting them represents about 5% of all reported violent incidents.
Hence, viewing Nigeria's instability solely through the lens of anti-Christian violence reduces the complexity of the nation's overall security challenges.
What impact will this have on Nigeria?
The International Religious Freedom Act outlines 15 mandatory penalties under section 405(a). Section 407 permits the U.S. president to exempt these penalties based onnational interest or to advance the objectives of the law. For this reason, in most instances, the title is rarely followed bysanctions.
Some nations have been excluded from sanctions despite being labeled as countries of significant concern. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have beenrepeatedly designatedbut the United States has never imposed sanctions on them.
Despite Nigeria's designation in 2020, no sanctions were imposed. The United States maintained its security assistance, military collaboration, and development support for Nigeria. The US only utilized the designation period to urge better safeguarding of religious groups and to demand accountability from those responsible.
For the latest appointment, however, Trump hasthreatenedto reduce assistance to Nigeria and launch military operations against terrorists within the country.
The United States, via the United States Agency for International Development, offered development aid valued atUS$7.89 billionfrom 2015 to 2024 to assist with health, education, economic, and humanitarian progress. However, everything has decreased since the cancellation ofthe organization and a decrease in international assistance.
U.S. military assistance to Nigeria continues to be substantial. Itapproved sales of advanced, accurate military weapons valued at US$346 millionto Nigeria and has provided training assistance to Nigerian troops.
The United States could terminate the agreement, but this would weaken Nigeria's capacity to tackle terrorism and broader security issues. It would go against the intent of the International Religious Freedom Act. Therefore, I think the US might choose to exempt this.
Direct military involvement in Nigeria is increasingly possible, and Trump is expected to proceed without regard for Nigeria's sovereignty. He has instructed the US Department of War to develop plans, and they have preparedoptions. However, I don't believe this will address the issue of insecurity in Nigeria. It could instead result in terrorists spreading out, making Nigeria's security challenges more complex. Alternatively, terrorists might escalate kidnappings and hostage situations to use as protection.
How Nigeria should respond
Nigeria should avoid diplomatic conflicts with the United States as they collaborate in the battle against terrorism. A conversation on how the US can enhance Nigeria's ability to manage its security issues would be a positive move.
Moreover, Nigeria's restricted ability to protect lives and assets highlights more profound structural and governance issues. The nation's security system is overly centralized and operates in a top-down manner. This hinders sub-national and local authorities from delivering security and tackling the root causes of violence within their communities.
Nigeria must move past strengthening its military efforts. For better safety, it also has to revamp its government and administrative systems.
This piece is reprinted fromThe Conversation, a non-profit, independent news organization providing you with facts and reliable analysis to help you understand our complicated world. It was written by:Saheed Babajide Owonikoko, Modibbo Adama University of Technology
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Saheed Babajide Owonikoko is not employed by, advises, owns shares in, or receives financial support from any company or organization that would gain from this article, and has not revealed any additional relevant affiliations aside from their academic position.