U.S. Designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern: How the Nigerian Government and Citizens Should Respond

U.S. Designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern: How the Nigerian Government and Citizens Should Respond

By Dr. Ukpong Udoh, Security Management Professional

The recent decision by the United States to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged genocide against Christian populations carries significant implications for Nigeria’s international standing and internal cohesion. This designation suggests that the U.S. government perceives systemic failures in Nigeria’s leadership, particularly in safeguarding lives and property and in preventing weapons supplied for official purposes from falling into the hands of terrorist elements.

Reports indicate that the U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, has instructed key congressional committees, including the House Appropriations Committee led by Chairman Tom Cole and Congress man Riley Moore to review the situation and report back. The President has publicly stated that he will not “stand idly by” while Christians are being killed in Nigeria. This could potentially lead to direct U.S. intervention measures, possibly including the deployment of personnel or resources aimed at preventing genocide and restoring security.

While this development highlights a serious vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s current political and security leadership, it is essential that Nigerians interpret the issue correctly. This is not an attack on Islam or Muslims in Nigeria. Rather, it is a reaction to the failure of government in its primary mandate being security of live and property and the growing threat posed by terrorist and militant groups that have victimized citizens across all faiths. Worthy to note that this insecurity did not start with this administration. however, it is imperative to state that a clear actionable plan demonstrating political will to end what was inherited would have built some trust within the international community.

It must be emphasized that both Christians and Muslims have suffered immensely from terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria. The fact that Christian organizations presented their grievances before the U.S. Congress led to this particular designation. If similar representations had been made by Muslim groups about the atrocities committed against Muslim communities by the same terrorists, the outcome might have been broader in scope.

Therefore, this development should not become a source of religious tension or division. Instead, it should serve as a wake up call to all Nigerians, Christians, Muslims, and others, to unite in demanding accountability, competent leadership, and comprehensive security reforms from those entrusted with governance.

The root of the problem lies not in religious difference but in political failure, a failure of leadership, vision, and integrity. The political class has neglected its core responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens, prioritizing corruption and self-interest over national security and unity. This vacuum of responsible governance has allowed terrorism, banditry, and communal violence to flourish unchecked.

Recommended Actions for the Nigerian Government

To rebuild global confidence and assure both citizens and the international community that Nigeria is committed to protecting all lives irrespective of religion or ethnicity, the Nigerian government must take urgent and concrete actions, including:

1. Strengthen national security architecture by reforming and adequately funding the armed forces and intelligence services to effectively combat terrorism, banditry, and all forms of violent extremism.

2. Enforce accountability and transparency in the use of security funds and foreign military assistance to ensure that weapons do not end up in the hands of non-state actors or terrorist organizations.

3. Demonstrate political will by taking decisive, coordinated action against all terrorist groups without bias, protecting both Christian and Muslim communities equally.

4. Enhance intelligence sharing and community security cooperation, encouraging citizens across all regions to provide actionable information that can prevent attacks and promote early warning responses.

5. Promote justice and reconciliation, ensuring that victims of violence receive fair compensation, rehabilitation, and recognition, while perpetrators are prosecuted without regard to ethnic or religious affiliation.

6. Strengthen interfaith and community dialogue, fostering unity and understanding between religious and ethnic groups as a foundation for lasting peace.

7. Collaborate with international partners in a transparent manner, allowing for credible monitoring and assessment of Nigeria’s security response to build trust and demonstrate genuine commitment to protecting human rights.

A Call for National Unity

Nigerians must therefore resist any attempt to weaponize this designation along religious lines. Instead, we must acknowledge that we are all victims of the same systemic failure and work together to rebuild a nation where justice, peace, and security are guaranteed for every citizen, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.