By DAYO ADESULU
The United States Congress has firmly ruled out the deployment of American troops to Nigeria, despite rising insecurity and renewed global attention on religious violence in Africa’s most populous nation. Instead, U.S. lawmakers insist that diplomatic pressure, institutional reform, and non-military engagement remain Washington’s preferred tools for addressing Nigeria’s security and human rights challenges.
The position was made clear in Abuja on Monday by members of a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation during a press briefing following high-level engagements with Nigerian government officials, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and private sector stakeholders.
CPC Designation Not a Prelude to Military Action
Leading the delegation, Congressman Bill Huizenga stated unequivocally that Nigeria’s recent redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the United States should not be interpreted as a step toward military intervention.
“Nigeria does need help, but that does not mean U.S. troops,” Huizenga said. “The CPC designation is a tool to motivate action and reform, not a prelude to military deployment.”
The CPC designation, which is applied to countries accused of severe violations of religious freedom, has sparked intense debate in both Washington and Abuja. While some Nigerian officials and commentators view it as punitive, U.S. lawmakers insist the move is designed to encourage accountability and concrete reforms rather than stigmatise the country or its people.
Violence Against Muslims and Christians ‘Unacceptable’
Members of the delegation stressed that the decision to place Nigeria on the CPC list was driven by persistent and widespread violence affecting citizens across religious lines.
“It is unacceptable that anyone, Muslim or Christian, is experiencing this level of violence,” one lawmaker said. “Protecting citizens of all faiths is a core responsibility of the Nigerian state.”
They pointed particularly to parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where attacks are often framed in religious or sectarian terms, even though underlying factors such as land disputes, governance failures, and economic pressures frequently play a role.
Different Conflicts, Different Solutions
The U.S. lawmakers drew a clear distinction between the insurgency in the North-East and communal violence in other regions. According to them, Nigeria’s security challenges are not uniform and therefore require tailored responses.
Terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) dominate the North-East, particularly in Borno State. In contrast, states like Plateau and Benue experience violence that is often communal, ethnoreligious, or resource-based in nature.
“There are different regional realities,” a member of the delegation explained. “What works in Borno State may not work in Plateau or Benue.”
This nuanced understanding, they said, underscores why a blanket military solution—especially one involving foreign troops—would be ineffective and potentially counterproductive.
CPC Status Not Permanent
The delegation emphasised that Nigeria’s CPC designation is not permanent and will be reviewed based on measurable progress in curbing violence and improving religious freedom.
Encouragingly, the lawmakers revealed that the designation has already triggered internal discussions within Nigeria’s government, which they described as a positive sign.
According to them, sustained dialogue, transparency, and demonstrable reforms could pave the way for a reassessment of Nigeria’s status and a stronger bilateral relationship.
‘Shoes on the Ground, Not Boots’
While ruling out troop deployment, the U.S. Congress expressed strong support for expanded non-military engagement with Nigeria. This includes humanitarian assistance, diplomatic cooperation, institutional reforms, and capacity-building initiatives for local institutions.
Huizenga described the approach as putting “shoes on the ground, not boots,” signalling a preference for civilian-led support rather than military presence.
Lawmakers also warned that continued instability in Nigeria carries implications far beyond its borders. As Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, Nigeria plays a critical role in regional and global stability.
Impact on U.S.–Nigeria Relations
Addressing concerns that the CPC designation could strain diplomatic ties, the delegation dismissed claims of any impending rupture in U.S.–Nigeria relations.
“True friends don’t walk away,” Huizenga said. “They stay engaged, even when the conversation is difficult.”
The lawmakers described the current engagement as honest and necessary, noting that strong partnerships often require uncomfortable discussions.
They said they would brief colleagues in Washington on their findings and conversations in Nigeria, adding that ongoing engagement could ultimately strengthen bilateral cooperation.
U.S. Ambassador Reaffirms Commitment
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said the visit underscored the importance Washington places on its relationship with Nigeria.
According to the ambassador, the Michigan-led delegation met Nigerian leaders to discuss shared priorities, including strengthening democratic institutions, expanding trade and investment, and resolving the concerns that led to Nigeria’s CPC designation.
He added that the visit reflected bipartisan support within the U.S. Congress for a forward-looking U.S.–Nigeria partnership.
Huizenga, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committees, noted that the CPC issue, first raised during the Trump administration, continues to generate debate in Congress.
“I felt it was important to make another trip here to look people eye to eye and have frank conversations,” he said. “We are here because this partnership is important to both Nigeria and the United States.”
As Nigeria grapples with complex security challenges, the message from Washington is clear: reform, accountability, and dialogue—not foreign troops—remain the path forward.
#USCongress #NigeriaSecurity #ReligiousFreedom #CPCDesignation #USNigeriaRelations #MiddleBeltViolence #DiplomaticEngagement
