Highlights
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Trump labels Nigeria a “country of special concern” due to attacks on Christians.
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Critics warn the move may open doors to future sanctions.
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Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, rich in oil and gas resources.
Trump Declares Nigeria a “Country of Special Concern”
US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria will be designated as a ‘country of special concern’, claiming that Christians in the country are being killed by Muslims.
On social media Friday, Trump wrote:
“Christianity in Nigeria is under existential threat. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this genocide. That is why I am designating Nigeria as a ‘country of special concern.’”
Nigerian Government Denies Allegations
The Nigerian government has denied these claims. Critics have warned that adding Nigeria to this list could pave the way for possible future sanctions.
Usually, under the 1998 International Religious Freedom Act, countries are designated “countries of special concern” based on recommendations from the US Congress commission and the State Department. However, Trump bypassed this usual process in making his decision.
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Donald Trump Seeks Immediate Review
Donald Trump also asked the House Appropriations Committee and Republican Congressmen Riley Moore and Tom Cole to “look into the matter immediately.”
Analysts say Trump’s statements are mainly aimed at influencing conservative political supporters, presenting Nigeria’s conflict as radical Islamists attacking Christians. In reality, Nigeria’s issues are not purely religious.
Nigeria’s Religious and Resource Conflicts
Nigeria’s north is predominantly Muslim, while the south is mostly Christian. The country has been struggling with Boko Haram violence, which has caused population displacement and disorder.
Conflicts over agriculture and water resources have sometimes escalated into violent clashes between Christian farmers and Muslim herders. However, the Nigerian government denies that these conflicts are mainly religious.
US Lawmakers Support Trump’s Decision
Representative Riley Moore supported Trump’s decision, saying:
““Since I first highlighted the situation of Christians on the floor in April, I have been calling for this designation. I will continue to bring Nigeria under international attention, pressure, and accountability.”
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas also welcomed the move:
“I have been working for many years to combat the killing and persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Thanks to President Trump for making this decision.”
Trump’s Focus on Christian Supporters
Since returning to office in January, Trump has tried to attract the attention of Christian conservative supporters in the US. In February, he announced a task force to remove possible anti-Christian bias in the federal government.
‘নিজেই তৈরি করুন নিজের অনলাইন স্টোর — কোনো কোডিং জ্ঞান ছাড়াই!”
In July, the administration issued a memo allowing religious practice in federal offices. Meanwhile, refugee policies have been criticized, with Trump setting the lowest refugee admission limit at 7,500 for FY 2026, mostly for Africans and other minorities.
Critics say refugee policy should focus on risk of organized persecution, not just discrimination.
Nigeria’s Oil and Economic Significance
Nigeria, often called “Africa’s giant”, is rich in oil and gas, particularly in the Niger Delta. Its oil production and exports make it the largest economy in Africa, playing a key role in global energy markets.
Donald Trump’s focus on Nigeria highlights both religious and economic factors, as international attention on oil-rich regions often carries broader geopolitical implications.
Source: Daily Ittefaq
