Diaspora Leader Says U.S. ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Label Should Drive Reform, Not Punishment

A leading Nigerian-American advocate has urged both Washington and Abuja to treat Nigeria’s recent designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) as an opportunity to strengthen accountability, rebuild trust, and deepen cooperation rather than escalate tensions.

Gbenga Ogunjimi, executive director of the Nigerian Center in Washington DC, made the call during a virtual policy briefing that brought together several prominent diaspora organisations. He argued that the decision, announced by the Trump administration on October 31, should be used to push for policy improvements, protect vulnerable Nigerians, and restore confidence in U.S.–Nigeria relations.

Ogunjimi stressed that Nigeria remains a critical strategic partner, citing longstanding security, economic, and demographic ties. He highlighted Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest Black-majority democracy and one of the U.S.’ most important continental allies. He also pointed to the significant role of Nigerian professionals in America, from healthcare to technology, noting their influence in shaping bilateral engagement.

According to him, “Nigeria is not a liability. It is a strategic asset whose stability directly aligns with America’s national interest.”

The Nigerian Center coalition issued three major recommendations. First, the CPC label should function strictly as a tool for constructive engagement, encouraging reform, not penalising ordinary Nigerians. Second, the U.S. government should expand humanitarian protections, including the possibility of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nigerians affected by ongoing insecurity. Third, both governments should strengthen governance mechanisms, particularly around human rights and institutional capacity.

Ogunjimi urged the Nigerian government to confront longstanding security challenges with a more coordinated national response, recommending the creation of a broad-based National Security Council involving civil society, affected communities, and non-governmental organisations to provide real-time intelligence and policy guidance.

Other diaspora leaders echoed the concerns. Bukola Olaoye, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas, warned that the designation could complicate diplomatic engagements and weaken regional counterterrorism operations. Prince Maduka Nkuku of the Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee criticised calls for sweeping sanctions, arguing they oversimplify the crisis and risk worsening instability.

Dr. Susan Edi-Onwe, president of the Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group, emphasised that Nigeria’s violence is driven by layered factors, religious tensions, farmer-herder clashes, criminal networks, extremist groups, and severe socioeconomic pressures. She said sanctions alone “cannot solve deeply entrenched structural problems,” urging the U.S. to adopt a more balanced approach based on dialogue, religious freedom frameworks, and humanitarian cooperation.

The diaspora coalition also pushed for a structured U.S.–Nigeria working group on security, with diaspora experts formally included to improve intelligence sharing and transparency.

Edi-Onwe noted that the diaspora holds a unique position: “We are Nigerians and Americans, with access to leaders on both sides. We can help bridge the gap. But both governments must see us as partners.”

The briefing ended with a unified message: the CPC designation should be a catalyst for reform, not an obstacle to partnership, and Nigeria’s path forward requires collaboration, responsibility, and sustained engagement from both nations and the global Nigerian community.