US Congressman Riley Moore Opposes Lifting Nigeria's CPC Status

• US Congressman Riley Moore opposes lifting Nigeria's CPC status due to ongoing attacks on Christians.
• Nigeria was designated a CPC in 2020 for severe religious-freedom violations and redesignated again in 2025.
• The designation has significant implications for businesses operating in Nigeria, including potential sanctions and regulatory compliance issues.

Moore emphasized that Nigeria has not done enough to protect Christians, stating that they continue to be slaughtered with impunity.

In response to the recent attack in Plateau State, US Congressman Riley Moore has expressed his opposition to lifting Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people, with many more injured. Moore's statement came after he quoted Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker, who had noted that the US remained committed to safeguarding Christian communities and identified concrete steps to protect those facing violence. However, Moore emphasized that Nigeria has not done enough to protect Christians, stating that they continue to be slaughtered with impunity.

Nigeria was designated a CPC in 2020 under the President Donald Trump administration for severe religious-freedom violations. The designation was removed by the Biden administration in 2021, but redesignated again on October 31, 2025. This designation has significant implications for businesses operating in Nigeria, as it may affect their ability to comply with US sanctions and regulations. Moore's opposition to lifting the CPC status suggests that he believes Nigeria's actions do not warrant removal from this designation.

The continued designation of Nigeria as a CPC has significant implications for businesses operating in the country. Companies must be aware of the potential sanctions and regulatory compliance issues that may arise due to this designation. Additionally, Moore's statement highlights the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, which is a major concern for human rights advocates. The US government's commitment to protecting Christian communities is evident in its continued designation of Nigeria as a CPC.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware that the US Department of State may not lift Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern, which could have implications for businesses operating in Nigeria with regards to sanctions and regulatory compliance.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers