US Senator Ted Cruz has commended former US President Donald Trump for designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), describing the move as “tremendous news” and a major step toward protecting persecuted Christians in the West African nation.
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, November 4, 2025, the Republican lawmaker said the designation aligns with his long term advocacy for religious freedom in Nigeria.
“So this weekend, President Trump designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern. That is tremendous news, it’s something that I’ve been advocating for, for a long time,” Cruz said.
The Texas senator alleged that Christians in Nigeria have faced unparalleled persecution in recent years, saying the situation remains the worst in the world.
“There’s no country on earth where Christians are more persecuted than Nigeria,” Cruz declared. “Since 2009, more than 50,000 Christians have been murdered by Boko Haram and radical Islamic extremists. More than 20,000 churches and schools have been burned to the ground.”
He added that he had earlier introduced legislation directing the US administration to make the CPC designation, emphasizing that Trump’s decision validates his efforts.
“I introduced legislation to direct the administration to designate Nigeria as a country of particular concern,” he said. “President Trump has done that, thank you, President Trump. We’re going to keep fighting to protect Christians and to protect religious liberty.”
In a caption accompanying the video, Cruz reaffirmed his intention to ensure accountability, writing:
“I’ve been pushing legislation to designate Nigeria a CPC and to impose sanctions on the Nigerian officials responsible. Thank you to President Trump for his leadership in imposing the designation, and more broadly, for fighting to stop the murder of Christians in Nigeria.”
He further stated that he would soon name Nigerian officials allegedly complicit in the persecution.
“Now we should take the next step and hold Nigerian officials accountable. I intend to be very explicit about who they are in the coming days and weeks,” Cruz said.
The Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation is issued by the US State Department to countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom.
Ademide Adebayo.
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