U.S lawmaker criticises Biden for removing Nigeria from religious freedom watchlist

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace has criticised former President Joe Biden’s handling of international religious freedom, faulting his administration for removing Nigeria from the State Department’s list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC), which identifies nations accused of severe violations of religious liberty.

In a post on X on Thursday, Mace said Nigeria “has become one of the deadliest countries in the world for Christians,” adding: “Meanwhile, Biden removed Nigeria from the Country of Particular Concern list.”

She contrasted Biden’s actions with those of President Donald Trump, whom she praised for his stance on religious freedom.

“President Trump is working to reverse those decisions. 45/47 remains one of the most consequential presidents in American history,” she wrote.

Mace’s comments follow Trump’s remarks last month alleging that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump claimed thousands of Christians were being killed and said he had placed Nigeria on the CPC list during his administration.

He also claimed to have directed the Pentagon to develop “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria—comments that drew condemnation from the Nigerian government and concern among international partners.

President Bola Tinubu dismissed Trump’s claims, insisting that Nigeria upholds freedom of religion and protects all faiths.

China and Russia also urged the U.S. to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Nigeria has appeared on the CPC list twice in five years—first in 2020 under Trump.

The Biden administration removed the country from the list in November 2021.