Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and that continent's largest economy. Unfortunately, Nigeria is beset by various challenges that threaten the peace and stability of the African giant. The terrorist group Boko Haram continues its bloody reign of terror, now threatening to establish a caliphate on the model of ISIS. Religious and ethnic discord which predate Boko Haram's emergence continues unabated. Lower oil prices have seriously damaged an economy that is significantly dependent on oil revenues. Meanwhile, the prospect of a violent repeat of the 2011 post-election scene has ratcheted up tensions in Nigeria even further. Today's hearing will examine the situation in Nigeria and the United States' efforts to maintain positive relations with the largest U.S. trading partner in Africa and a major ally in international peacekeeping.