US lawmakers have forwarded a detailed report to the White House addressing allegations of widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria, alongside a series of recommendations that include possible sanctions and enhanced security measures.
The submission was made by the United States House Committee on Appropriations and the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The document outlines findings from an extensive inquiry into religious violence in Nigeria and proposes steps aimed at promoting accountability, curbing extremist activities, and reinforcing security collaboration between Washington and Abuja.
US Congressman Riley Moore disclosed the development in a statement shared on his X account, noting that the report contains what he described as specific and actionable measures intended to halt the persecution of Christians and confront the rising threat of extremist violence in parts of the country.
The congressional probe was initiated following President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). The president subsequently directed Moore and the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Tom Cole, to spearhead a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
According to Moore, the report is the culmination of several months of research and engagement. The process involved formal hearings with subject-matter experts, consultations with faith leaders, a policy roundtable, and two bipartisan fact-finding missions to Nigeria. During one of the visits, members of the delegation toured camps housing internally displaced persons in Benue State, interacted with victims of terrorist attacks, and held high-level discussions with Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Moore stated that these engagements provided the team with deeper insight into the country’s security landscape and the pressures confronting Christian communities in conflict-affected regions.
Among its recommendations, the report calls for the negotiation of a formal bilateral security pact between the United States and Nigeria focused on safeguarding vulnerable Christian populations and dismantling jihadist networks. It also suggests suspending certain categories of US funding until measurable progress is recorded by the Nigerian government in addressing religious violence.
Additional proposals include targeted sanctions and visa bans against individuals or entities accused of involvement in religious persecution, technical assistance to counter violence linked to armed Fulani militias, calls for the repeal of Sharia-based and blasphemy laws, and coordinated engagement with international allies such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.
Moore encouraged Nigerian authorities to view the recommendations as an opportunity to deepen strategic ties with the United States, stressing that stronger cooperation would benefit both nations. He also expressed gratitude to President Trump for the CPC redesignation and acknowledged the contributions of other House leaders, including Vice Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and Congressman Chris Smith, in finalising and submitting the report.