The House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs of the United States Congress have recommended a series of measures aimed at tackling what they described as the “persecution of Christians” in Nigeria.
The recommendations follow the formal submission of a report to the White House, detailing the committees’ findings and proposed actions. The submission comes after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
In a report released by committee chairman Riley Moore, lawmakers outlined steps intended to improve security and protect religious freedom in Nigeria.
Key recommendations include:
Blocking Nigerian Beef Exports: The committees proposed restricting beef exports as a measure to encourage Fulani herdsmen to disarm amid reports of attacks on Christian communities.
Visa Restrictions and Sanctions: Continuation of visa restrictions for individuals involved in religious violence, alongside sanctions targeting those implicated in attacks on Christians.
Bilateral Agreement with Nigeria: Lawmakers urged a U.S.-Nigeria agreement to protect vulnerable Christian communities, combat jihadist activity, enhance economic cooperation, and counter regional influences from China and Russia. The agreement should include:
Co-funding of humanitarian assistance through faith-based organizations, prioritizing internally displaced persons and host communities in the predominantly Christian Middle Belt.
Support for early-warning systems to prevent attacks and kidnappings, with rapid response from capable security forces and accountability for those ignoring warnings.
Removal of Fulani militias from seized farmland and assistance for displaced communities’ return, with security and infrastructure support to boost agricultural productivity.
Expansion of security cooperation, including divestment of Russian military equipment in favor of U.S. systems.
Technical Support Against Fulani Militias: Programs to demobilize, disarm, and reintegrate armed militias while supporting lawful self-defense; livestock and ranching initiatives; land reform efforts; and strengthening security forces’ operational capabilities.
Counter-Terrorism and Security Enhancements: Enhanced collaboration to tackle foreign terrorist organizations, provision of defense equipment, and measures to disrupt terrorist financing and recover illicit funds linked to militias.
Addressing Chinese Influence: Measures to counter Chinese illegal mining operations and their alleged support of Fulani militias through protection payments.
Oversight and Accountability: Implementation of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026, with mechanisms requiring demonstrable progress before additional funds are released. Programs include religious freedom promotion, legal reforms, policing, anti-money laundering, and U.S. aid oversight through Government Accountability Office audits.
Other Recommendations:
Public enforcement of directives under the Country of Particular Concern designation.
Repeal of Sharia-based codes and anti-blasphemy laws.
Strengthening of diplomatic staffing in Nigeria and improvements to Foreign Military Sales processes.
Commissioning of a National Intelligence Estimate on sectarian and communal violence, and potential classification of Fulani militia groups linked to terror activities as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
Collaboration with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom on security and humanitarian issues.
The report emphasizes using diplomatic and economic leverage, including restrictions on beef and cattle product exports to regional markets such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal, to encourage the disarmament of Fulani herdsmen and reduce communal violence.
US Congress Proposes Measures to Address Religious Violence in Nigeria
