The US Congress has scheduled a fresh hearing on attacks against Christians in Nigeria, putting President Bola Tinubu’s government under renewed scrutiny.
The November 12 session will examine Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities, tackle terrorism and bring perpetrators of religious violence to justice.
The hearing in Washington DC will feature five witnesses and explore possible measures the US could take to pressure Nigeria over insecurity.
The United States Congress is preparing to reopen discussions on attacks against Christians in Nigeria, raising fresh questions about the Tinubu administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity. The hearing, scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026, will examine the country’s progress in protecting vulnerable communities and addressing religious violence.
The development comes one year after US President Donald Trump returned Nigeria to the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.
What US lawmakers want to know about Nigeria and Tinubu
The hearing will begin at 11 am at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington DC. It will also be streamed live on YouTube.
Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, will lead the session.
His office announced that the hearing would be held under the title, ‘One Year Later: Assessing Nigeria’s Efforts to Protect Christians and Secure the Middle Belt’.
Lawmakers will examine the Nigerian government’s response to attacks on Christian communities, the activities of terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram, and efforts to prosecute those responsible for the violence.
They will also assess possible ways Washington could increase pressure on Nigeria to protect Christians and Muslim communities that oppose extremism.
Five witnesses to appear before US Congress
The hearing will feature two panels of witnesses, including American government officials and experts on religious freedom and security.
The first panel will feature Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Riley Barnes, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour.
The second panel will include Nina Shea of the Hudson Institute, Ryan Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Open Doors US, and Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
Their contributions are expected to help lawmakers assess Nigeria’s security situation and the government’s response to religious violence.
How Trump’s decision brought Nigeria under fresh scrutiny
The planned hearing follows Trump’s October 31, 2025, announcement returning Nigeria to the CPC list.
He had accused radical Islamist groups of killing thousands of Christians and described the situation as an existential threat to Christian communities.
Trump also warned that Washington could withdraw assistance if the attacks continued.
In a November 1, 2025, statement, he declared:
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria.”
He also threatened possible military action against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria.
Nigeria had previously been placed on the CPC list in 2020 before former US President Joe Biden removed the country after taking office.
Since Trump’s latest decision, Nigeria and the United States have developed a military partnership aimed at tackling terrorist groups, particularly those operating in northern Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has warned that ongoing federal projects in the South-East could stop if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 election.
The governor urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing them as their most important tool in deciding the country’s political future.
Uzodimma made the remarks at an APC presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, as party leaders intensified their appeal for Tinubu’s re-election.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has warned that ongoing federal projects in the South-East could be discontinued if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to secure re-election in 2027. Continue reading here.
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