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The United States Congress is set to hold a high‑profile hearing on Thursday titled “Christians Under Attack: Examining the Global Persecution of Christians,” during which lawmakers will hear testimony about the worsening plight of Nigerian Christians. The session, organized by the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, will take place in the Rayburn House Office Building and is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Members of the subcommittee, including Rep. Chris Smith (R‑NJ) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D‑CA), have emphasized that the hearing aims to shine a spotlight on the “systemic violence and intimidation” that Christian communities face across Nigeria’s restive Middle Belt and the northeast.
Witnesses slated to appear include Nigerian clergy such as Pastor James Wuye of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), human‑rights activist Reverend Samuel Okoronkwo, and a survivor of a recent church bombing in Kaduna who will recount the harrowing details of the attack. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) will also submit a written briefing, noting that Nigeria has been on its “Countries of Particular Concern” list for several consecutive years due to rampant kidnappings, church burnings, and the ongoing insurgency by Boko Haram and allied Fulani militias. USCIRF’s chair, Gayle Manchin, is expected to urge the administration to consider targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for the violence.
The hearing comes amid growing pressure from advocacy groups and congressional leaders who argue that the U.S. has not done enough to protect religious minorities abroad. In a statement released earlier this week, Rep. Smith said, “We cannot stand idle while churches are razed and believers are murdered simply because of their faith.” He added that the committee will explore options ranging from increased humanitarian aid to conditionality on certain security assistance. The possibility of designating specific Nigerian officials for visa restrictions or asset freezes was also hinted at, though no formal proposals have been tabled yet.
Nigerian officials have pushed back against the allegations, maintaining that the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship and that the government is actively combating terrorism and communal clashes. A spokesperson for the Nigerian Embassy in Washington told reporters that the hearing “relies on selective narratives” and that the government is already cooperating with international partners to restore security. The spokesperson also warned that painting the conflict as purely religious could exacerbate divisions and undermine ongoing peace talks between the federal government and various ethnic and religious groups.
Beyond the immediate political fallout, the hearing is expected to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis facing millions of displaced Nigerians, many of whom are Christians fleeing violence in states like Plateau, Benue, and Borno. Aid organizations such as Open Doors and the International Christian Concern have documented a surge in abductions, forced conversions, and sexual violence, prompting calls for a more robust U.S. response that includes not only diplomatic pressure but also increased funding for refugee assistance and trauma‑support services.
If the hearing leads to concrete legislative action, it could mark a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Nigeria, potentially reshaping the bilateral relationship that has traditionally been anchored in counter‑terrorism and trade. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have signaled a willingness to work together on a bipartisan resolution that would direct the State Department to develop a comprehensive strategy for protecting religious minorities in Nigeria. Whether that translates into new sanctions, expanded aid, or a formal designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” remains to be seen, but the Thursday hearing is poised to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over religious freedom and U.S. foreign policy.
