Opinion
Nigeria’s “Country of Particular Concern” Designation: A Moment of Reckoning and Opportunity
By Dr Nelson Omenugha, mnipr.
nomenugha@gmail.com
The recent designation of Nigeria by the United States as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) marks a moment of significant diplomatic tension — but also one of rare strategic opportunity. While the move underscores serious concerns over religious freedom, human rights, and communal violence, Nigeria can transform this challenge into a catalyst for renewal — both in its domestic governance and its international diplomacy.
Handled poorly, the CPC designation could deepen distrust between Abuja and Washington, weaken security and counterterrorism cooperation, and deter much-needed foreign investment. However, a calm, principled, and reform-driven response could instead strengthen Nigeria’s credibility, open new diplomatic channels, and reposition the country as a global leader on tolerance, security reform, and inclusive governance.
To achieve this, Nigeria must walk a careful path — defending its sovereignty and national dignity while demonstrating seriousness of purpose in addressing the issues that underlie U.S. and international concern. This requires a deliberate strategy anchored on three pillars: diplomatic re-engagement, domestic reform, and regional partnership.
- Diplomatic Re-Engagement: Rebuilding Confidence and Narrative
Nigeria’s response must begin with active and intentional diplomacy. The government should establish a Nigeria–U.S. Strategic Reassessment Task Force, bringing together senior officials, religious leaders, civil society, and security experts to directly engage their U.S. counterparts. This platform would serve to share verified data on religious and communal violence, improve transparency, and identify areas for joint action.
At the same time, Nigeria must invest in a global communications and public diplomacy strategy — one that highlights the country’s pluralism, interfaith harmony, and ongoing reforms. Misperceptions thrive in silence; proactive storytelling is essential to shift the narrative. Nigerian embassies, diaspora networks, and thought leaders should be mobilized to engage media, think tanks, and advocacy groups in Washington and beyond. A notable opportunity in this regard is the Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum 2026, to be hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Abuja from November 15–21, 2026. This global event would attract foreign communication professionals, public relations practitioners and advisers of governments-private-public organizations. It provides a powerful platform for Nigeria to own her story, showcase her diversity, and reposition her image as a country of progress and promise.
Equally important is direct engagement with the U.S. Congress, which wields significant influence over human-rights designations. Nigeria should also partner with diaspora advocacy groups to convey a more nuanced, data-driven picture of its challenges and progress.
- Domestic Reform and Human Security: Tackling Root Causes
Diplomacy alone cannot restore credibility — real change must be visible at home. Nigeria must take concrete, transparent steps to strengthen justice and accountability mechanisms for perpetrators of religious or communal violence. Swift, impartial prosecution of offenders —irrespective of identity or affiliation —would signal genuine political will.
Additionally, Nigeria should enhance early-warning and rapid-response systems to prevent conflicts before they erupt. Strengthening local peacebuilding institutions and traditional mediation structures can help defuse tensions in vulnerable regions.
A deeper security sector reform is also essential — focusing on coordination, training, and strict adherence to human-rights standards. Such reforms not only address international criticism but also enhance national stability.
Finally, the government should expand economic inclusion and social investment in conflict-prone areas, particularly the Middle Belt and the North-East. Poverty, marginalization, and youth unemployment often feed cycles of violence; inclusive development is therefore the most durable form of security.
- Regional and Global Partnerships: From Isolation to Leadership
Nigeria’s path forward must also involve reinvigorated regional engagement. Working closely with the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria can help shape continental frameworks for peace, tolerance, and governance reform.
At a time when Africa’s collective voice is growing stronger on the world stage, Nigeria has an opportunity to reclaim its leadership mantle — by sponsoring interfaith dialogues, peace education programs, and regional tolerance initiatives. Positioning Nigeria as a thought leader on religious freedom and conflict prevention would transform its global image from that of a country under scrutiny to one driving solutions.
Conclusion: Turning Crisis into Catalyst
The U.S. CPC designation should not be viewed solely as a diplomatic setback. It is a mirror reflecting the urgent need for reform — and an invitation to reimagine Nigeria’s role in global affairs. By coupling humility with determination, diplomacy with reform, and sovereignty with accountability, Nigeria can turn this moment of tension into a defining step toward renewal, stability, and restored international respect.
Handled with foresight, this could mark not a low point in Nigeria–U.S. relations — but the beginning of a new era of partnership based on mutual trust, shared security, and enduring democratic values.
Let Nigeria get to work.
