Nigerian Christians in US support designation as “Country of Particular Concern”

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Christian Association of Nigerian Americans (CANAN) has welcomed the United States government’s decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act.

This move acknowledges the severity of the decades-long campaign of terror against Christian and other vulnerable communities in Nigeria.

According to CANAN, the designation is a critical step towards accountability and hope.

The organization is calling on the Nigerian government to seize this moment and take concrete actions to address the crisis. “CANAN urges the Nigerian government to end the denial of these indefensible acts of terror, and to confront the crisis with honesty, resolve, and lasting solutions,” the organization’s statement read.

In a statement obtained by Irohinodua on Saturday, CANAN outlined four key recommendations for the Nigerian government to address the terror crisis.

These include strengthening intelligence and early warning systems, promoting community protection and local defense initiatives, addressing the root causes of radicalization, and ensuring accountability and rule of law.

The organization also emphasized the need to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees who have been affected by the crisis.

“The terror crisis has displaced millions of Nigerians. Many internally displaced persons (IDPs) languish in camps under dire conditions, while others have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Cameroon,” CANAN stated.

CANAN is calling on the Nigerian government, humanitarian agencies, and international partners to scale up assistance to IDPs and refugees.

This includes expanding food, shelter, medical, and psychosocial aid for IDPs within Nigeria and providing basic needs and protection for Nigerian refugees in Cameroon and other host nations.

The organization also urged the US government to take additional compassionate and strategic action in response to the crisis. This includes granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Nigerians who have fled terror and are currently residing in the United States, expanding refugee admission opportunities, and prioritizing the most vulnerable populations for humanitarian relocation and assistance.

Irohinodua reports that the CPC designation by the United States marks a critical moment of accountability and hope for Nigeria.

As the Nigerian government navigates this complex situation, CANAN’s call to action serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the terror crisis and promote peace and stability in the country.