The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa is set to hold an open hearing on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to examine President Donald Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. The CPC designation, if ratified by the Senate, would allow America to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials found guilty of religious persecution and restrict specific forms of bilateral assistance.
It also proves to the international community that religious freedom in Nigeria remains under serious threat.
The hearing, scheduled for 11:00 am in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and available through live webcast, will be chaired by Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ).
It will feature 2 panels of witnesses, including senior US State Department officials and Nigerian religious leaders.
“You are respectfully requested to attend an open hearing of the Committee on Foreign Affairs to be held by the Subcommittee on Africa at 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building,” the invite read.
Panellists will include Senior Bureau Official of the Bureau of African Affairs, Jonathan Pratt, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, Jacob McGee.
The second panel will feature the Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Ms Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi Catholic Diocese in Nigeria; and Ms Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic & International Studies.
Recall that on October 31, 2025, President Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations.
The decision has since sparked debate over increasing attacks on Christians in Nigeria and the possibility of US intervention.
