Former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Josef Onoh, has raised serious concerns over the recent decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for what Washington described as severe violations of religious freedom.
Onoh, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, described the development as “profoundly troubling”, warning that it poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s stability, economy, and international standing.
“This designation revives a painful chapter from the first Trump administration and signals an existential threat to Nigeria’s stability, prosperity, and global reputation,” Onoh said.
According to him, while the U.S. government’s intent to address religious violence may be noble, the economic and diplomatic consequences of the CPC listing could be catastrophic for Nigeria if urgent measures are not taken.
“This is not mere rhetoric; it is a clarion call for introspection and decisive action, lest Nigeria descend further into economic peril and diplomatic isolation,” he warned.
Onoh criticized what he called the Tinubu administration’s “nonchalant approach” in foreign diplomacy, especially its delay in appointing capable ambassadors following the mass recall of envoys two years ago, describing the lapse as “a critical failure now haunting the country.”
Economic Shock Looms
The former presidential aide warned that under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998, the CPC designation empowers the U.S. to impose sanctions, suspend foreign aid, restrict trade, and limit visas for Nigerian officials.
“For a nation already grappling with over 30% inflation, a weak naira, and shrinking foreign reserves, the implications are dire,” Onoh stated.
He explained that more than $1 billion in U.S. annual aid, particularly in health, education, and security sectors, could be suspended, worsening poverty and food insecurity in vulnerable regions like the Middle Belt.
He further projected that foreign direct investment (FDI) would drop drastically, as U.S. and European investors avoid Nigeria, leading to “a 1–2% GDP contraction over the next 18 months.”
“This will hurt small and medium enterprises, trigger job losses, and compound the economic hardship already faced by millions of Nigerians,” Onoh cautioned.
Political Fallout and Diplomatic Strain
Onoh warned that the CPC label could also erode Tinubu’s political credibility and fracture national unity.
“Northern governors may dismiss it as biased, while southern Christian leaders will see it as vindication — further polarizing the country. Internationally, Tinubu’s ECOWAS chairmanship risks losing credibility,” he said.
He added that the designation could jeopardize Nigeria’s eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), worsen its credit ratings, and scare off global corporations from the oil and tech sectors.
Onoh also criticized the President’s cabinet composition, describing it as “politically convenient but operationally ineffective.”
“The administration’s biggest flaw is over-reliance on political loyalty instead of competence. The result is a communication team and diplomatic corps that have failed to defend the nation at critical moments,” he asserted.
Call for Urgent Reforms
Despite the grim outlook, Onoh urged Tinubu to treat the crisis as “a catalyst for reform”, proposing a multi-step recovery plan — including a National Religious Freedom Summit, increased funding for community policing, and targeted diplomacy with Washington.
“Mr. President, this is a fork in the road — despair or determination,” Onoh wrote. “Act decisively, and this crisis could become an opportunity for national renewal. Nigeria’s 200 million citizens deserve a future unmarred by division or despair.”
He concluded with a direct appeal to President Tinubu to overhaul his cabinet and prioritize meritocracy and professionalism in governance.
“Your administration must rise above politics. Replace the jobbers with technocrats who can engage globally, rebuild credibility, and safeguard Nigeria’s economic survival. The world is watching — it’s time to prove our resilience,” Onoh declared.
