Centre meets US lawmaker over call to blacklist Nigeria

The Nigerian Center, the first immigrant and cultural organisation for Nigerians in the United States, has visited Congressman Chris Smith’s office to discuss his call for the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

In a press statement seen by PUNCH Diaspora Tales, the centre, accompanied by the Nigerian American Lawyers Association, the Governance Advancement Initiative for Nigeria, and the Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee, met with the Congressman.

Last month, Smith convened a hearing of the House Committee on Foreign Relations, Subcommittee on Africa, to discuss the ongoing persecution of individuals in Nigeria.

During the hearing, he called on the US to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC, citing severe violations of religious freedom.

In response to the hearing, the Nigerian Center and other groups emphasised the importance of US lawmakers hearing directly from Nigerian-American community members before making a decision.

Additionally, the centre announced plans to mobilise people on Friday for a resolution of the issue.

“To further discuss the implications of this resolution, the Nigerian Center will host a community forum on April 11, 2025,” the statement read. “The event will feature organisations and leaders involved in this campaign, providing an opportunity to explore both supporting and opposing arguments. Advocacy representatives will be present to offer insights and answer community questions.”

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