USCIRF Calls On Trump Admin To Act On Nigeria's Religious Freedom Crisis

Trump's Team Urged to Step Up on Religious Freedom in Nigeria

Hey there, let me break it down for you. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has laid down a challenge for the Trump administration. They're asking the White House to appoint a Special Envoy specifically for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. Why? To tackle the growing problem of religious freedom violations in that part of the world. It's not just about diplomacy—it's about making sure people can practice their faith freely without fear.

What's the Big Deal with Nigeria?

Let’s dive deeper. In its report released in March 2025, the USCIRF made it crystal clear that the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, hasn't done enough to stop or even properly respond to violent attacks. These attacks are justified on religious grounds, often carried out by nonstate actors like Islamist extremists and Fulani militants. These groups have been systematically targeting religious communities across Nigeria, creating chaos and fear in their wake.

It’s not just about Nigeria, though. The commission has also pushed for the U.S. State Department to label Nigeria, along with Afghanistan, India, and Vietnam, as Countries of Particular Concern (CPCs). This designation is serious business—it means these countries are flagged for severe violations of religious freedom. And guess what? They’ve also recommended redesignating 12 other countries as CPCs, including heavyweights like China, Iran, and Russia.

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Watch Lists and More

Now, let’s talk about the Special Watch List (SWL). The commission wants Algeria and Azerbaijan to stay on this list, but they're also proposing to add 10 more countries. Think Egypt, Indonesia, Turkey—you get the picture. These are places where religious freedom is at risk, and the U.S. wants to keep a close eye on them.

And here's the kicker: USCIRF is also recommending that certain terrorist groups, like Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), be designated as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs). These groups, along with others like al-Shabaab, are known for their brutal attacks on religious communities.

Nigeria’s Own Laws: A Double-Edged Sword

Here’s something that might surprise you. Nigeria’s federal government still enforces blasphemy laws, which can land someone in jail for up to two years if they're accused of insulting religion. But wait, there's more. Some state governments take it even further, enforcing stricter laws that lead to people being imprisoned for similar accusations.

By the end of last year, at least five people were still behind bars under these blasphemy charges. Among them are Mubarak Bala, Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, and Isma’ila Sani Isah. Their cases highlight the ongoing struggle for religious freedom in Nigeria.

Religious Harassment and Violence

Both Muslim-majority and Christian-majority areas of Nigeria have seen increased harassment of indigenous religious communities. For example, in Anambra State, the government demolished an indigenous shrine last July. The governor, along with Catholic bishops, called for the elimination of so-called “neo-paganism.” It’s a move that raises eyebrows and sparks debates about religious tolerance.

In 2024, the situation for religious freedom in Nigeria didn't improve. The government continued to struggle with addressing violent actions by groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP. These groups, along with Fulani militants and bandits, have been carrying out relentless attacks on religious communities, often targeting Christians.

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Here are just a couple of examples from the report. In January, JAS insurgents killed 14 people, including a local pastor, in Yobe State. In May, Ansaru gunmen kidnapped 160 children, mostly Christians, in Niger State. These incidents paint a grim picture of the challenges facing religious communities in Nigeria.

Criticism of Nigeria's Response

USCIRF didn’t hold back when it came to criticizing the Nigerian government’s response. They pointed out that security forces often delay action against these violent groups, leaving religious minority communities vulnerable to attacks. This delay not only leads to injuries but also results in loss of life.

And let’s not forget the estimated 30,000 Fulani bandits operating in the northwest. These groups often target Christian communities, disrupting agricultural production and adding to the already dire situation.

So, there you have it. The call for action is loud and clear. The Trump administration has a chance to make a real difference, and the world will be watching to see what steps they take next.