The ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria is one of the most under-reported crises in the world right now.

So it was welcome news when US President Donald Trump announced Nigeria would be designated a “country of particular concern” by the US State Department.

Trump declared Christians face an existential threat and asked Congress to investigate how to respond to the persecution.

Kelsey Zorzi, Senior Counsel and Director of Advocacy for Global Religious Freedom for the Alliance Defending Freedom, responded to the announcement, saying:

More Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in the rest of the countries of the world combined … This important step by President Trump – along with his pledge to combat persecution worldwide – brings much-needed attention to the worsening crisis and is a vital step toward accountability and concrete change.

This is a major development for the defence of Christians worldwide and puts a spotlight on the ongoing and increasingly alarming violence in Nigeria.

A number of faith-based advocacy organisations such as the religious freedom watchdog Open Doors supported Trump’s announcement, with Open Doors’ research revealing that of all 4476 Christians killed for their faith worldwide in 2025, 3100 are from Nigeria.

At HRLA, we have a strong track record of defending religious freedom in the courts and in the public square. From challenging overreach by governments to standing beside individuals whose beliefs have cost them their jobs or reputations, we work to ensure that faith can be lived out freely and without fear.

But for millions of Christians around the world, the price of faith is far higher. In places like Nigeria, facing persecution, imprisonment, torture, and even death is not the exception – it is routine.

Events in Nigeria are a stark reminder of the brutal reality for believers elsewhere, and a sobering call to gratitude for the freedoms we still enjoy here in Australia.

Even as we face increasing hostility toward people of faith in our own institutions and laws, we must never forget how privileged we are to speak, worship and live according to conscience without fear of violence.

Those freedoms are precious – and they must be guarded, not taken for granted.