FG Moves to Reverse US ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Designation on Nigeria

The Federal Government has intensified diplomatic engagements with the United States in a bid to secure the removal of Nigeria from the “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) list, citing ongoing security reforms and strengthened bilateral cooperation.

The designation, issued by the U.S. government in 2025 under its international religious freedom framework, was based on concerns over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, particularly linked to violence involving extremist groups and communal clashes in parts of the North-East and Middle Belt regions.

The classification followed concerns raised by Washington over attacks attributed to extremist organisations such as Boko Haram and armed groups operating in rural communities, which have contributed to insecurity, displacement, and heightened humanitarian challenges across affected regions.

Nigeria has consistently rejected the CPC designation, arguing that it does not fully reflect the country’s religious diversity or the ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime affecting both Christians and Muslims.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that discussions on the CPC issue formed part of a recent diplomatic engagement in Abuja with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, David Heffern.

In a post on her X handle, she said the meeting covered a broad range of bilateral issues including security and defence cooperation, border management, migration challenges, counter-terrorism efforts, intelligence sharing, visa matters, and other areas of mutual interest between both countries.

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Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that both sides also reviewed ongoing collaboration under the Joint Working Group, which focuses on improving regional stability and addressing shared security concerns across West Africa.

A major point of discussion was Nigeria’s continued inclusion on the CPC list, which the government insists is being addressed through sustained reforms and diplomatic engagement with Washington.

She noted that Nigeria remains committed to working closely with the United States to address underlying concerns while strengthening long-standing bilateral relations.

The Federal Government has also highlighted ongoing improvements in counter-terrorism operations, inter-agency coordination, and community-based security initiatives aimed at reducing violence and protecting civilians across the country.

Officials say Nigeria is also deepening cooperation with international partners in intelligence sharing and regional peacebuilding efforts as part of its broader security strategy.

Authorities maintain that insecurity in Nigeria is driven by multiple factors, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts, rather than targeted religious persecution alone.

The government has reiterated that it will continue diplomatic engagement with the United States and other partners in a bid to ensure that Nigeria’s security progress is properly reflected in international assessments.

Both countries are expected to maintain discussions in the coming months as Nigeria pushes for a review of its status on the CPC list and seeks to strengthen cooperation on security and governance issues.

FG Moves to Reverse US ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Designation on Nigeria

Senate Tightens Rules, Restricts Ex-Governors, New Entrants From Leadership Positions

The Senate of Nigeria has adopted sweeping amendments to its Standing Orders, tightening eligibility requirements for principal leadership positions and limiting access for first-time senators, serving governors, and former lawmakers planning a return to the chamber.

The decision followed a closed-door session that lasted nearly three hours on Tuesday, after which lawmakers revised Orders 4 and 5 of the Senate rules. The amendments introduce stricter criteria for contesting top positions such as Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Majority Leader, and other principal offices.

Under the revised Order 4, the Senate introduced a structured ranking system to determine eligibility for presiding officers. Priority will now be given to former Senate Presidents, former Deputy Senate Presidents, former principal officers, senators who have served at least one full four-year term, and former members of the House of Representatives. First-time senators will only be considered where no qualified candidates exist within these categories.

Lawmakers backing the reform said the new hierarchy is designed to strengthen institutional memory and ensure that leadership roles are occupied by experienced legislators who are familiar with parliamentary procedures and responsibilities.

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The Senate also strengthened Order 5 by introducing a clause requiring senators to have served at least two consecutive terms immediately before becoming eligible to contest for principal offices. This means that first-term senators and those with interrupted legislative careers will no longer be eligible to run for key leadership positions.

The amendment further affects senators-elect who have not served in both the 9th and 10th National Assemblies, effectively excluding them from leadership contests in the upcoming 11th Senate.

The reforms come amid rising political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, as several state governors and political heavyweights prepare to move into the Senate after completing their tenure in executive office.

Analysts note that the changes appear targeted at a growing trend in which outgoing governors seek to immediately assume leadership positions upon entering the Senate, often based on political influence rather than legislative experience.

At least a dozen governors are expected to complete their second and final terms by 2027, while several former governors are also positioning themselves for Senate seats, increasing competition for future leadership roles.

The development is particularly significant as high-profile figures, including serving governors, are already engaging in early consultations and political alignments within their states, with party structures playing a decisive role in determining Senate nominations.

Although the rules do not mention specific individuals, political observers say the amendment could impact figures such as Hope Uzodimma, whose name has featured in discussions around possible Senate ambitions after his governorship tenure.

Other political actors with gubernatorial backgrounds are also expected to be affected by the new restrictions, especially those planning to enter the Senate for the first time after 2027.

Senate leadership maintains that the reforms are aimed at preserving institutional integrity and ensuring that leadership selection is guided by experience rather than external political influence.

However, critics argue that the changes could reduce opportunities for new entrants and concentrate leadership power among long-serving lawmakers.

The amendments also reflect broader political realignments within Nigeria’s political system, where party structures and executive influence continue to shape legislative dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections.

As preparations intensify for the next electoral cycle, the revised Senate rules are expected to significantly reshape leadership contests, narrowing eligibility to a smaller pool of experienced legislators.

Senate Tightens Rules, Restricts Ex-Governors, New Entrants From Leadership Positions

Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Urges Tinubu to Revoke MTN, DStv Licences

The Adams Oshiomhole has called on the federal government to take strong retaliatory economic measures against South African-owned companies operating in Nigeria, including MTN Group and DStv, amid renewed xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa.

Oshiomhole made the remarks during plenary of the Senate of Nigeria on Tuesday, where lawmakers debated rising tensions following reports of violence against foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. He urged President Bola Tinubu to consider revoking or reviewing operating licences of major South African-linked businesses in Nigeria, arguing that such actions could serve as economic leverage in diplomatic engagement.

The senator said Nigeria should not only condemn the attacks but also respond with reciprocal measures to protect its citizens and assert national dignity in international relations. According to him, economic pressure may compel South African authorities to take stronger action against perpetrators of xenophobic violence and prevent further attacks.

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Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, further argued that Nigerians affected by the unrest should be evacuated and supported to return home. He suggested that returnees could be reintegrated into local industries, which he said would help boost domestic productivity and create employment opportunities.

In response to the crisis, the federal government has begun arrangements for voluntary evacuation of Nigerians willing to leave South Africa. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, confirmed that at least 130 Nigerians have registered for the exercise, with more expected as the situation develops.

She noted that President Tinubu has expressed concern over the attacks and condemned xenophobic rhetoric, hate speech, and anti-migrant demonstrations in South Africa. Diplomatic engagements have also been intensified, including the summoning of South Africa’s acting high commissioner by Nigerian authorities.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the violence but also urged foreigners residing in the country to comply with local laws. The situation continues to draw attention across both nations as diplomatic discussions and evacuation efforts progress.

The proposal by Oshiomhole is expected to generate further debate due to the significant economic presence of South African companies in Nigeria, particularly in telecommunications and media, where they employ thousands of workers and serve millions of customers.

Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Urges Tinubu to Revoke MTN, DStv Licences