A delegation of lawmakers from the United States Congress has assured Nigeria that its recent designation as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues will not undermine diplomatic or economic relations between both countries, but is intended to promote reforms and deeper engagement.
The delegation, led by United States Congressman Bill Huizenga, a member of the United States House of Representatives from Michigan, made this clarification on Sunday, 21 December 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital city, at the conclusion of a two-day visit to the country.
During the visit, the American lawmakers held meetings with senior officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria, religious leaders representing different faiths, civil society organizations, and members of the private sector to discuss security, religious freedom, and democratic governance. Okay News reports that the engagement followed Nigeria’s re-designation by the administration of United States President Donald Trump in October 2025 as a Country of Particular Concern, a status assigned to countries accused of significant violations of religious freedom.
Explaining the purpose of the visit, Huizenga said the mission was focused on dialogue rather than confrontation. He described the delegation’s approach as one centered on “listening, learning and holding frank conversations” around the concerns that led to Nigeria’s designation.
“For me personally, I believe the CPC designation is warranted, but it is also meant to spur progress and internal conversations within Nigeria on how to better protect people of all faiths,” Huizenga said.
He added that discussions with Nigerian government officials indicated that the designation had already triggered renewed attention on addressing insecurity and improving the protection of religious freedom across the country.
Huizenga acknowledged that various groups raised concerns about attacks in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, while also noting that Muslim communities in the North-East and North-West geopolitical zones had suffered significant violence.
“The core message is that all citizens, regardless of faith, must be protected and feel safe,” he said, stressing that the United States has both a strategic and moral interest in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to confront insecurity.
Other members of the delegation described the Country of Particular Concern designation as a temporary mechanism designed to encourage positive change and subject to periodic review.
United States Congressman Keith Self, a senior member of the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the designation should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen engagement rather than a signal of deteriorating relations.
“This does not have to be a negative,” Self said. “It can be a positive starting point for a deeper and more honest relationship between the United States and Nigeria.”
Drawing from his professional experience on European policy issues, Self noted similarities between Nigeria’s current security challenges and those faced by several European countries in recent years, including mass migration, security pressures, and the strain such challenges place on democratic institutions.
He emphasized that stability remains a foundation for economic prosperity, adding that Nigeria’s ability to curb violence would be crucial to its long-term democratic and economic future.
Another member of the delegation, United States Congressman Michael Baumgartner, said the visit was also meant to reassure vulnerable communities that their suffering had not been ignored by the international community.
“I hope that the trip gives the Christian community in Nigeria hope that they’re not alone. Also the world is watching the actions of the Nigerian government to make sure they’re safe,” Baumgartner said.
United States Congressman Jefferson Shreve described the visit as an investment in Nigeria’s future rather than an inquiry into failures.
“This trip has been about listening and learning. We want to be helpful, and we want to see Nigeria succeed, because Africa cannot be successful unless Nigeria is successful,” Shreve said.
The lawmakers said they would present their findings to colleagues in Washington, United States of America, with recommendations expected to focus on sustained diplomatic engagement, expanded dialogue, and targeted support rather than military intervention.
They also commended Nigerian officials for their openness during the meetings and expressed optimism that continued collaboration could yield measurable progress in reducing violence and strengthening democratic institutions.
The delegation reaffirmed bipartisan support within the United States Congress for a stable and prosperous Nigeria and pledged continued engagement in the coming months and years.
Okay News also recalled that President Donald Trump had previously warned that the United States could deploy troops to Nigeria to target terrorist groups if the Nigerian government failed to act swiftly.
