The USCIRF has urged the Trump administration to appoint a Special Envoy for Nigeria to address severe violations of religious freedom. The report recommends designating Nigeria, alongside Afghanistan, India, and Vietnam, as CPCs. It condemns the Nigerian government’s negligence towards violence by militant groups against religious communities and advocates for stricter actions against perpetrators of such violence.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called for the Trump administration to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to ongoing violations of religious freedom and violence. In its 2025 annual report, USCIRF recommended appointing a Special Envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin to enhance U.S. diplomatic efforts in addressing these critical issues. The report identified Nigeria, alongside Afghanistan, India, and Vietnam, as needing further attention to combat such violations.
USCIRF accused the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, of permitting violent attacks by nonstate actors who use religious justification for these actions. Specifically, militant groups, including Islamist extremists and Fulani militants, have disproportionately targeted religious communities throughout Nigeria, exacerbating the situation and threatening public safety. In addition to Nigeria, the report called for maintaining several countries, such as Algeria and Azerbaijan, on the Special Watch List for their poor religious freedom records.
The Commission also urged redesignating Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs) along with other violent groups. The report highlighted the enforcement of blasphemy laws by the Nigerian federal and state governments, which seek to punish those seen as insulting religions, resulting in imprisonment for several individuals, including Mubarak Bala and Yahaya Sharif-Aminu.
Indigenous religious communities have faced increased harassment from the government, leading to the demolition of shrines. The report indicated that events in 2024 pointed to serious declines in religious freedom in Nigeria, as various attacks were carried out by both Islamist groups and bandit factions against diverse communities, notably targeting Christians.
Documented instances of violence included the killing of a local pastor in Yobe State and the kidnapping and murder of Christian children in Niger State. The report detailed the Indonesian government’s inadequate response to this violence, with slow security force action leading to further casualties among vulnerable religious communities. USCIRF estimated that approximately 30,000 Fulani bandits, operating in various factions, primarily assault Christian farmers, complicating food production and economic stability in the region.
The USCIRF’s annual report highlights grave concerns over religious freedom violations in Nigeria, underscoring the need for a dedicated U.S. Special Envoy to tackle these issues. The report emphasizes the responsibility of the Nigerian government to respond effectively to violence by nonstate actors and to protect vulnerable religious communities. Overall, the recommendations call for a thorough reassessment of Nigeria’s designation as a CPC and sustained diplomatic efforts to enhance religious freedom in the region.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
