Amanze Chinonye
U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga sharply criticized President Tinubu’s administration in a congressional hearing Thursday, accusing it of “sitting back” and failing to address rising insecurity and religious violence in Nigeria.
Huizenga made his remarks while testifying before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, which is evaluating Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious-freedom abuses.
“It ought to be outrageous that … Christians, moderate Muslims, and anyone being terrorised by these radicalised Islamists in Nigeria … and we’ve got the Tinubu government sitting back and not doing enough.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn his testimony, Huizenga said his concern was deeply personal:
“I went to school with kids from Nigeria. … We’ve got neighbours who’ve been missionaries there, who have family there, … who know this is going on.”
He also recalled a December 24, 2023 attack that reportedly killed around 200 people, as evidence that security in Nigeria has not meaningfully improved.
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Huizenga strongly condemned what he described as a “softened” narrative about the violence, particularly from Nigerian representatives in Washington. He accused the Nigerian delegation of “downplaying” the scale of the attacks.
He said such minimisation is dangerous:
“It should be rejected, and should be called out for what it is.”
While Huizenga expressed deep frustration, he clarified that he does not support a U.S. military strike on Nigeria. Instead, he argues for targeted economic measures visa bans and asset freezes against individuals or groups linked to extremist violence.
He said these tools could force accountability and prompt reform, particularly from Nigerian authorities who he feels have “downplayed” the crisis.
According to him, the greatest risk to U.S. investment in Nigeria is persistent violence, not sanctions.
At the same hearing, other U.S. lawmakers and officials also weighed in:
Rep. Sara Jacobs cautioned against framing all of Nigeria’s violence as religious persecution, arguing that many of the country’s security problems are rooted in governance failures, banditry, and communal conflict.
Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, speaking virtually, warned that Christians in parts of Nigeria risk “elimination” if nothing changes.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Jacob McGee defended the CPC redesignation, stating that some attacks are clearly faith-motivated, citing testimony in which attackers allegedly used religious language to target Christian communities.
Huizenga is pushing for concrete action. In his testimony, he called on the U.S. to:
1. Condition U.S. aid on evidence that Nigeria is prosecuting perpetrators and protecting all communities.
2. Provide humanitarian support through faith-based organizations active on the ground.
3. Use Global Magnitsky Act sanctions (visa bans, asset freezes) on individuals or entities implicated in human-rights abuses.
Congressman Huizenga’s emotionally charged hearing is intensifying international scrutiny on Nigeria’s security crisis. His criticisms rooted in personal experience underscore a broader U.S. push for accountability. But Nigeria’s government continues to reject the framing as purely religious, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the violence.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
