Nigerian-American organisations have renewed calls for the reactivation of the Congressional Nigeria Caucus in the United States, amid mounting diplomatic strains with Nigeria.
During a policy briefing on Capitol Hill, diaspora leaders described the dormant caucus as a critical platform for enhancing legislative engagement and strengthening ties between both countries.
A representative of The Nigerian Center, Nkechi Ilechie, said reviving the caucus would promote sustained dialogue and help align shared policy interests between US lawmakers and Nigerian stakeholders.
She, however, noted that attempts to appoint co-chairs for the caucus have yet to succeed, despite indications of interest from some members of Congress.
Founder of The Nigerian Center, Gbenga Ogunjimi, said Nigerian-Americans were increasingly uniting to push for stronger representation and engagement within the US political system.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe described relations between the two countries as uncertain, citing unresolved diplomatic and policy differences.
The renewed advocacy follows tensions triggered by visa restrictions introduced during the administration of former US President Donald Trump, as well as Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Security concerns have also strained ties, with US authorities expressing worries over reported attacks on Christians in Nigeria claims consistently rejected by Nigerian officials.
Further friction has arisen over immigration policies, particularly Nigeria’s refusal to accept deportees from third-party nations, a development that has drawn criticism from Washington and affected diaspora communities.
