Akume Expresses Confidence Nigeria Will Be Removed From U.S. ‘Country of Particular Concern’ List

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, says he is optimistic that Nigeria will soon be removed from the United States’ Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list.

Speaking in Abuja at the second triannual meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Akume noted that Nigeria is experiencing one of its most delicate periods, marked by tense political rhetoric, strained security conditions, and declining mutual trust that recently threatened to escalate into religious conflict.

He explained that Nigeria’s CPC designation by the U.S. has triggered several diplomatic engagements aimed at correcting what he described as “a wrong perception” of the country’s situation.

Akume said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set up a new U.S.–Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, which will involve NIREC leaders as part of broader non-kinetic peacebuilding efforts.

While acknowledging progress, he stressed that more work is needed to rebuild trust between Christians and Muslims, which he identified as one of the weakest points in the nation’s peace efforts. He urged NIREC to prioritise restoring unity, peaceful coexistence, and interfaith collaboration, adding that the President expects concrete recommendations from the council.

The SGF referenced recent deadly attacks in Benue, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara as incidents that have increased public anxiety despite ongoing rescue operations and arrests of perpetrators.

Akume emphasised that both Christians and Muslims have suffered significant losses from insurgency, banditry, and communal violence. He warned against framing the crises as one-sided or solely religious, arguing that such narratives deepen suspicion and weaken national cohesion.

He said:
“Both faiths have bled. Violence in Nigeria is not monolithic or one-sided. An interfaith approach to peace is necessary because it recognises our shared humanity and helps rebuild trust.”

Akume reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians and stressed that while international support is welcome, the country must prioritise “Nigerian solutions to Nigerian problems.”

He highlighted several areas requiring deeper collaboration between government and faith leaders, including inclusive policymaking, early-warning systems, peacebuilding efforts, justice, rule of law, and educating young people to resist extremist propaganda.

CAN, Sultan of Sokoto React

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and NIREC Co-Chairman, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the meeting was timely, noting that insecurity continues to threaten national survival. He lamented the widespread impact of banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism, and other crimes on communities nationwide.

Okoh warned that insecurity is crippling economic activities, deepening poverty, and aggravating public frustration. He commended ongoing government initiatives to strengthen security but urged authorities to do more.

He stressed that peace cannot be maintained without justice, insisting that perpetrators of violence, their financiers, and enablers must face the law.

Also speaking, NIREC Co-Chairman and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, emphasised sincerity in interfaith relations. He warned against leaders who preach unity publicly but sow division privately, calling such behavior “unreligious.”

The Sultan reaffirmed that Nigeria’s multi-religious identity is protected under the law, and clarified that Sharia courts are strictly for Muslims.