US Lawmaker Explains Why Nigeria Remains on CPC List

United States Congressman Riley Moore has said Nigeria will remain on the “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) list due to ongoing killings of Christians in parts of the country.

Moore, who represents West Virginia, explained that the US government cannot lift the designation until Nigeria demonstrates stronger action to protect vulnerable communities. He pointed to recent attacks in Plateau State and other Middle Belt regions as evidence of continuing religiously targeted violence.

Speaking on the matter, Moore stressed: “We absolutely cannot remove the CPC designation from Nigeria while radical Islamic terrorists continue this horrific violence against Christians.” He added that the Nigerian government must meet its commitments to safeguard Christian communities before any reconsideration of the designation.

The CPC tag, issued under the International Religious Freedom Act, allows Washington to impose sanctions or restrict aid on countries accused of severe violations of religious freedom. Nigeria was first placed on the list in 2020, removed in 2021 under President Biden, and reinstated in 2025 following renewed violence.

Moore argued that lifting the designation previously worsened attacks, saying: “We cannot make the same mistake again. We must stop the genocide.”

Recent attacks in Plateau State, where dozens of villagers were killed in their sleep, have drawn condemnation from the US Bureau of African Affairs. The bureau described the incident as “another murderous attack” and urged Nigerian authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.

Analysts say the CPC designation reflects Washington’s growing concern about Nigeria’s security challenges and the impact on religious minorities. They note that while the Nigerian government often attributes violence to land disputes and criminality, US lawmakers view the killings as systematic persecution.

Civil society groups in Nigeria have welcomed the renewed attention but urged caution. They argue that while international pressure is important, solutions must also address local realities, including poverty, weak policing, and community tensions.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims of religious persecution, insisting that the violence is driven by broader socio-economic factors. Officials maintain that they are working to improve security and bring attackers to justice.

For now, Nigeria’s CPC status remains unchanged, with US lawmakers like Moore insisting that stronger, verifiable steps must be taken to protect Christians and other vulnerable groups.

The next review of the designation will weigh Nigeria’s progress against ongoing reports of killings and displacement, keeping the country’s human rights record under close scrutiny in Washington.