Nigeria has once again come under intense international scrutiny as witnesses scheduled to testify before the United States Congress warned that unresolved violence and insecurity could push the country into deeper religious tensions. In written testimonies released ahead of a key congressional hearing, experts described Nigeria as a major flashpoint in the global debate on religious freedom, with implications that extend far beyond its borders.
The warnings are part of preparations for a joint hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Africa and Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, titled “Defending Religious Freedom Around the World.”
What the US Congress Is Examining
The hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, will assess threats to freedom of religion and belief across several regions, including Africa and the Middle East. Nigeria features prominently in the testimonies due to its prolonged insecurity, mass displacement, and persistent attacks linked to extremist groups and criminal networks.
Among the witnesses expected to appear are:
- Sam Brownback, former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
- Mark Walker, Principal Advisor for Global Religious Freedom at the US State Department
- Stephen Schneck, former Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
- Grace Drexel, daughter of a detained Chinese pastor
Their submissions form the basis of the concerns now being debated in Washington.
Nigeria Described as a Flashpoint
In his prepared testimony, Brownback delivered the most striking assessment, describing Nigeria as “the deadliest place on the planet to be a Christian.” He warned that ongoing patterns of violence, displacement, and weak security response could escalate into a broader religious crisis if left unaddressed.
According to him, Nigeria sits at the centre of what he called “early warning signs of a Muslim-on-Christian war” across parts of Africa, adding that faith communities under threat globally remain “America’s greatest allies in the spread of freedom.”
Brownback also cautioned that the involvement of foreign actors in Nigeria’s security environment — including China, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia — could further complicate stability if not carefully monitored.
Broader Religious Freedom Concerns
In a separate submission, Schneck said freedom of religion or belief is facing a “historic crisis” worldwide. He identified Nigeria, Syria, and Sudan as countries where insecurity, poor governance, and armed conflict have created particularly dangerous conditions for religious communities.
“Nigeria, Syria, and Sudan are current examples of such conditions threatening freedom of religion or belief,” Schneck wrote, stressing that global advocacy should not focus exclusively on Christians but protect all faiths equally.
He also criticised what he described as shortcomings in how the United States applies its own International Religious Freedom Act, arguing that Washington’s response has not matched its strong rhetoric.
“If we are to take the International Religious Freedom Act as our measure, then the United States is not doing enough. We have been long on rhetoric and short on substance,” he said.
Key Implications
The renewed focus on Nigeria comes after the country was redesignated by US President Donald Trump as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom. That designation has already triggered diplomatic engagements, including security consultations between US officials and Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The hearing’s outcome could shape:
- Future US legislative actions on religious freedom
- Diplomatic pressure or policy adjustments toward Nigeria
- Security cooperation frameworks between both countries
Nigeria’s Official Position
The Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims that violence in the country is driven by targeted religious persecution. Officials maintain that insecurity affects Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines, pointing to banditry, terrorism, and criminal violence as broader national challenges rather than faith-based conflicts.
What Happens Next
As US lawmakers debate the testimonies, analysts expect increased diplomatic and policy engagement on Nigeria’s security and human rights situation. Any recommendations emerging from the hearing could influence future US foreign policy decisions, funding priorities, and international advocacy related to Nigeria.
For Nigeria, the spotlight once again underscores how internal security challenges are increasingly shaping its global image — and why resolving them remains critical not only domestically, but also on the international stage.
Related: Nollywood Actress Lizzy Gold Loses Father on Boxing Day
