Members of the United States Congress have said Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on religious freedom is intended to encourage reforms and constructive engagement, not to punish the country or weaken bilateral relations.
The team led by Rep. Bill Huizenga, had three other Congress members, Michael Baumgartner, Keith Self and Jefferson Shreve.
The lawmakers, who were in Nigeria as part of a congressional delegation, spoke during a press briefing after meetings with senior government officials, security chiefs, religious leaders and civil society representatives.
According to the delegation, the visit — the second in two weeks and the third by some members this year — was aimed at listening, learning and gaining first-hand insight into Nigeria’s complex security and religious dynamics.
One of the lawmakers said the CPC designation had already prompted important internal conversations within Nigeria, which he described as part of the motivation behind the decision.
“The purpose was not simply to send messages, but also to receive information,” he said. “What we want to see is progress, and there are signs that some structures are being put in place to bring about that progress.”
The delegation stressed that the core concern of the United States is the protection of all Nigerians, regardless of faith, noting reports of violence affecting Christians in the Middle Belt as well as Muslim-on-Muslim violence in the North-East and North-West.
They drew a distinction between religiously motivated violence and terrorism carried out by designated groups such as Boko Haram, explaining that each requires different policy responses and resources.
“Borno State is different from Benue or Plateau. These are different regions with different circumstances,” a lawmaker noted, adding that any effective response must be context-specific.
Responding to questions from journalists, the lawmakers said they had not come to Nigeria to conduct field investigations or verify specific claims of genocide, but acknowledged hearing sharply differing views from stakeholders — some denying a religious dimension to the violence, others insisting it is significant.
“Nigeria is a complex country,” one congressman said. “In Plateau State alone, we were told there are 54 ethnic nationalities. That level of complexity demands serious study and sustained engagement.”
The delegation confirmed meetings with the National Security Adviser, Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Defence, state governors, business leaders and religious figures from across the country.
Several lawmakers described the visit as largely a listening exercise, with one saying more than 90 per cent of the engagement focused on hearing Nigerian perspectives rather than making pronouncements.
One congressman emphasised Nigeria’s strategic importance, saying Africa’s success is closely tied to Nigeria’s stability and prosperity.
“The world cannot be successful unless America and Nigeria are successful together,” he said, adding that congressional visits to Nigeria should increase in the coming years.
On concerns that the CPC designation could push Nigeria to seek alliances elsewhere, the delegation rejected that notion, arguing that “true friends can have tough conversations” without walking away from the relationship.
They also stressed that such designations and related measures are not permanent, but are meant to encourage changes in behaviour and policy.
“This does not have to be a negative,” a lawmaker said. “It can be a positive starting point for a deeper relationship.”
Addressing speculation about visa restrictions, the US Embassy clarified that a presidential proclamation on immigration takes effect on January 1 and affects specific visa categories, with exemptions for diplomatic, official and religious visas. The embassy advised Nigerians to consult its website for accurate information.
The lawmakers acknowledged concerns that sanctions or designations could affect ordinary citizens more than government officials, but said efforts are usually focused on influencing government action, with regular reviews built into the process.
They concluded by urging continued dialogue, stability and credible data-driven debates within Nigeria, stressing that lasting prosperity depends on peace, security and inclusive governance.
0 Comments