Representative Chris Smith, a long-serving U.S. Congressman representing New Jersey’s 4th District, has called to action against the atrocities in Nigeria with deep urgency and unshakable conviction.

During the House hearing titled “Conflict and Persecution in Nigeria: The Case for a CPC Designation,” Smith painted a heartbreaking picture of the anguish faced by Christian communities under siege from extremist groups like Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen. 

“Every attack, every life lost, every home destroyed is not just an act of violence, it’s an assault on human dignity and the fundamental right to live free from fear,” Smith declared.

His voice carried the weight of years spent advocating for justice and protecting the vulnerable. He was visibly moved as he recounted the story of Habila Adamu, a Nigerian Christian who survived being shot in the face by Boko Haram for refusing to renounce his faith. Against all odds, Adamu lived to share his testimony, and his words continue to echo in Smith’s heart: “Do everything you can to end this ruthless religious persecution, but know Christ first.”

 Chris Smith’s frustration with past administrations’ inaction was palpable. “I tried for three years to get the Obama Administration to designate Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation,” he recounted, his tone a mix of resolve and exasperation. Although the designation was eventually made in 2013, Smith emphasised that it came too late for many victims whose lives could have been saved with swifter action.

The congressman also didn’t shy away from criticising the 2021 decision by the Biden administration to remove Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), a move he described as baffling and deeply damaging.

“The violence didn’t end when the designation was removed; it escalated,” Smith argued. Yet, despite the setbacks, his optimism shone through as he spoke of his plans to reintroduce a resolution calling for Nigeria to be reinstated as a CPC. “This is about more than policy, it’s about lives, about standing up for what is right,” he stressed.

Smith’s testimony serves as a rallying cry for those who believe in justice and human rights. His determination to confront the brutality faced by Nigerian Christians reflects his compassion and commitment to advocacy. As he concluded his remarks, his message was clear: “We cannot afford to look away. The world must act.”

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