US Congress Submits Report to White House on Persecution of Christians in Nigeria

The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally submitted a report to the White House detailing their findings and recommendations regarding the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The submission follows President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, prompting the president to task Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole with leading a thorough investigation into the situation. The inquiry focused not only on reported attacks against Christian communities by terrorist groups but also on broader security challenges facing Nigeria.
In a statement on his X account, Congressman Moore confirmed the report’s presentation. He noted that the conclusions were drawn from months of research, including interviews with expert witnesses, hearings, roundtable sessions, and two on-the-ground assessments by bipartisan congressional delegations to Nigeria.
As part of the fact-finding mission, Moore led a delegation that visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State, met with victims of terrorism, and engaged with Nigerian government officials under the leadership of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Consultations also included discussions with religious leaders and collaboration with the Trump administration.
“Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore joined members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs at the White House to formally present the comprehensive report outlining concrete actions to end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and counter growing extremist violence in the region,” Moore said.
The report offers several key recommendations. It calls for the establishment of a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement to protect vulnerable Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks. It also proposes withholding certain US funds until the Nigerian government demonstrates tangible steps to halt violence against Christians.
Additional recommendations include sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups involved in religious persecution, technical support to address violence from armed Fulani militias, and the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws. The report further suggests working with international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, to coordinate efforts.
Moore emphasized that the United States now has a comprehensive understanding of the security threats and challenges facing Christian communities in Nigeria. He encouraged the Nigerian government to use the opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the US, saying, “Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is now watching, and I urge the Nigerian government to take the opportunity to deepen and strengthen its relationship with the United States. Together, we must address these pressing security challenges and bring an end to violence against Christians.”