United States President Donald Trump has designated Nigeria “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged genocide of Christians.
The new designation comes barely three months after Washington imposed tough visa restrictions on Nigerians, limiting most travel visas to single-entry, three-month validity.
Trump, who made the latest announcement on Friday via a post on his Truth Social platform, which was also shared on the official White House X handle, said Nigeria was facing an “existential threat” to Christianity.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” the US President wrote.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’ But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done!”
He directed Congressman Riley Moore and Chairman Tom Cole of the House Appropriations Committee to immediately investigate the alleged killings and report back to him.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world,” he wrote.
According to the US Department of State, the Country of Particular Concern designation is applied to nations that engage in or tolerate “particularly severe violations of religious freedom.”
Such violations include torture, prolonged detention, enforced disappearance, or denial of life and liberty on religious grounds.
The CPC label empowers the US President to apply or waive punitive measures, including sanctions, diplomatic isolation, or withdrawal of aid, depending on strategic or humanitarian considerations.
Currently, countries such as China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Eritrea are also listed.
While the designation is primarily symbolic, it carries reputational and economic consequences.
Analysts say it can affect Nigeria’s investment attractiveness, bilateral defence partnerships, and access to certain aid programs.
