The United States House of Representatives Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally submitted a report to the White House detailing findings on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, with recommendations that include sanctions and possible funding restrictions.
US Congressman Riley Moore confirmed the submission on Monday, stating that the document outlines “concrete actions to end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and counter growing extremist violence in the region.”
The report follows President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and his directive mandating Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead a detailed congressional investigation.
Months of Investigation
According to Moore, the report was the product of months of hearings, consultations with religious leaders, expert testimonies and bipartisan fact-finding visits to Nigeria.
During one of the visits, the delegation toured Internally Displaced Persons camps in Benue State, met victims of terrorism and held discussions with senior Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Moore said the investigative team gained deeper insight into Nigeria’s security challenges and threats facing Christian communities.
Sanctions, Security Pact Proposed
The report recommends a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement aimed at protecting vulnerable Christian communities and dismantling jihadist networks.
It also proposes withholding certain US funds pending measurable steps by the Nigerian government to curb violence.
Other recommendations include imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups allegedly responsible for religious persecution, providing technical support to address violence linked to armed Fulani militias, demanding repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws, and strengthening collaboration with international partners such as France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Moore urged Nigerian authorities to view the recommendations as an opportunity to deepen ties with the United States, describing enhanced cooperation as mutually beneficial.
He thanked President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a CPC and acknowledged the roles played by congressional leaders, including Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, and Congressman Chris Smith, in producing the report.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to the submission at the time of filing this report.
US Congress Submits Nigeria ‘Christian Persecution’ Report, Recommends Sanctions
