US Congressman Chris Smith has warned that Nigerian authorities continue to interpret the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation done by President Donald Trump as a punishment rather than a strategic opportunity to address deepening humanitarian and security crises.
In a video posted by Channels Television, he stressed that the CPC designation should serve as a catalyst for Nigeria to confront widespread religious persecution and improve protections for vulnerable communities.
Smith urged that the CPC status should prompt stronger actions to support displaced persons, Christians facing targeted killings, and moderate Muslims caught in ongoing violence. He noted that both the United States and Nigeria have the ability to deploy resources, but political will within Nigeria remains essential.
According to Smith, thousands of internally displaced people remain without adequate food, shelter, and medical care, yet are pushed to return to unsafe communities. He criticized Nigerian officials who downplay religious motives behind attacks, stating that evidence clearly shows targeted violence, often carried out with assault rifles and Islamic slogans.
Smith condemned the previous US administration’s decision to revoke Nigeria’s CPC status, calling explanations such as climate change irrelevant to the brutal realities on the ground.
He maintained that the designation, under leaders like Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is designed to help nations strengthen their internal protections. He said over time, countries later realize such actions as support rather than condemnation, because the process ultimately helps them build resilience and safeguard their citizens.
In his words, “They still think that CPC is a punishment, and I said, I hope you’ll stop that.'” You know, look at it as an opportunity to help the dispossessed, to help the Christians who are suffering and moderate Muslims.”
“And I think it’s an engraved invitation to say, yeah, let’s take a better look at that. We have not investigated this the way we should. We have not deployed the kind of resources that are needed.
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