A delegation of the United States Congress has sought to reassure Nigeria that its recent designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom issues is not intended to damage bilateral relations, but to promote reforms and sustained engagement.
The lawmakers, led by Rep Bill Huizenga, spoke on Sunday in Abuja at the conclusion of a two-day visit during which they held meetings with government officials, religious leaders, civil society organisations and private sector representatives.
The visit followed the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump in October to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC over concerns about threats to religious freedom.
Huizenga said the purpose of the visit was to listen and engage candidly on the factors that led to the designation. While noting that he personally believed the CPC listing was justified, he said it was meant to encourage reflection and progress rather than punishment.
According to him, discussions with Nigerian officials indicated that the designation had already renewed attention on addressing violence and improving protections for people of different faiths.
Huizenga acknowledged concerns raised over attacks in parts of the Middle Belt, while also highlighting violence affecting Muslim communities in the North-East and North-West. He stressed that the central issue was the safety of all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.
He added that the United States has both strategic and moral reasons to support Nigeria’s efforts to confront insecurity and protect religious freedom.
Other members of the delegation described the CPC designation as a temporary measure, subject to review and designed to encourage positive change.
Rep Keith Self, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the designation should be viewed as an opening for deeper engagement rather than a setback in relations.
He argued that Nigeria’s current challenges mirror those faced by several European countries, citing issues such as mass migration, security pressures and the strain such factors place on democratic institutions. Self said Nigeria’s ability to restore stability would be crucial to its long-term economic growth and democratic development.
Rep Michael Baumgartner said the visit was also aimed at reassuring vulnerable communities that their concerns were being recognised internationally.
He said he hoped the engagement would signal to Nigeria’s Christian communities that they were not isolated and that the international community was monitoring steps taken to ensure their safety.
Another member of the delegation, Rep Jefferson Shreve, described the trip as an investment in Nigeria’s future rather than an inquiry or investigation. He said the lawmakers wanted to be supportive and emphasised Nigeria’s central role in Africa’s overall success.
The delegation said its findings would be shared with colleagues in Washington, with recommendations expected to focus on continued dialogue, sustained engagement and targeted support, rather than military involvement.
They also praised Nigerian officials for their openness during the meetings and expressed confidence that ongoing cooperation could lead to measurable progress in tackling violence and strengthening democratic institutions.
The lawmakers reaffirmed bipartisan support within the U.S. Congress for a stable and prosperous Nigeria and pledged continued engagement in the coming months and years.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalled that President Trump had previously warned that the United States could deploy troops to target terrorists in Nigeria if the government failed to act swiftly.
