Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has appealed to the United States to refrain from redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious persecution, warning that such a move could deepen divisions and derail fragile interfaith progress.

Speaking on Monday at the launch of the Aid to the Church in Need’s 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom in Vatican City, Kukah acknowledged Nigeria’s persistent challenges with terrorism and ethnic violence but argued that the country needs support—not sanctions. “What Nigeria needs now is more vigilance… to end impunity—not punishment,” he said.

The CPC designation, last imposed in 2020 under President Donald Trump and lifted by President Joe Biden in 2021, is reserved for nations deemed to severely violate religious freedoms. Kukah cautioned that reinstating the label would “sow doubt, open windows of suspicion and fear,” especially as Nigeria undertakes reforms aimed at reconciliation.

The 1,248-page report highlights a global decline in religious freedom, with 5.4 billion people living under restrictive regimes driven by authoritarianism, extremism, and nationalism. Nigeria, home to over 200 million people, continues to grapple with violence that transcends religious lines. Kukah cited a 37% drop in terrorist attacks last year, according to the Global Terrorism Index, as evidence of incremental progress.

Reflecting on the Buhari administration (2015–2023), Kukah described it as “the worst phase in interfaith relations,” accusing it of fostering religious favoritism that emboldened jihadist groups and marginalized Christians. In contrast, he praised President Bola Tinubu’s inclusive appointments—such as naming Christians to key roles like Chief of Defence Staff and INEC chair—despite a Muslim-led executive. “Christians have not felt alienated,” Kukah noted.

He also called for constitutional clarity, urging the presidency to challenge the adoption of Sharia law in 12 northern states, which he said fuels mob justice and undermines Nigeria’s secular foundation.

Kukah criticized previous U.S. administrations, including those of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, for withholding military support from former President Goodluck Jonathan’s fight against Boko Haram, arguing that the decision inadvertently paved the way for Buhari’s rise. Addressing Trump directly, Kukah urged: “Lift the ban and allow Nigeria access to tools to free our country from these evil men.”