A bipartisan coalition in the United States Congress has released a sweeping set of recommendations to President Donald Trump over what it described as escalating persecution of Christians in Nigeria, urging urgent diplomatic, security and economic measures.
The recommendations were contained in a joint report by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee titled “Ending The Persecution of Christians in Nigeria.” The document followed an investigative roundtable and a high-level delegation to Nigeria led by Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul.
The report described Nigeria as “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” citing attacks by armed Fulani militias and other terrorist groups, destruction of churches, kidnappings and the enforcement of blasphemy laws.
In a direct warning over the situation, Chairman Michael McCaul said: “The systematic targeting of Christians in Nigeria is an affront to human dignity and religious freedom. Our report lays bare the horrific reality on the ground and underscores the urgent need for a robust, coordinated response. We cannot stand idly by while innocent lives are lost and communities are shattered.”
Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart stressed accountability, stating: “Our findings are clear: religious freedom in Nigeria is under severe threat. These recommendations are not merely suggestions; they are a roadmap to saving lives and restoring peace. We expect the Nigerian government to demonstrate tangible progress, and we will ensure that US assistance is contingent on their commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of their faith.”
Below is the full list of key recommendations submitted to President Trump:
1. Redesignation as Country of Particular Concern (CPC)
Congress urged the President to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) to compel stronger protections for vulnerable communities and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
2. Bilateral Security and Economic Agreement
Lawmakers proposed a formal bilateral agreement between the United States and Nigeria to:
- Counter sectarian violence and eliminate jihadist terrorism.
- Expand economic cooperation.
- Counter adversarial influence from China and Russia in the region.
3. Humanitarian Aid and Protection for IDPs
The report called on Nigeria to:
- Co-fund humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in the Middle Belt.
- Strengthen early-warning mechanisms.
- Deploy capable security forces to prevent attacks and kidnappings.
4. Dismantling Fulani Militias
Congress recommended:
- Removing Fulani militias from confiscated farmland.
- Securing productive land for lawful owners.
- Ensuring voluntary return of displaced communities under adequate protection.
5. Security Sector Reform
The United States is urged to:
- Provide technical support for demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration programmes.
- Enhance recruitment, training and technical capabilities of Nigerian security forces.
- Improve the Foreign Military Sales process to expedite delivery of defence equipment.
6. Counter-Terrorism and Financial Measures
Recommendations include:
- Strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation.
- Disrupting financial networks linked to militia groups.
- Enhancing anti-money laundering measures to track and seize illicit funds.
- Addressing foreign exploitation, including alleged Chinese illegal mining operations tied to protection payments.
7. Accountability and Sanctions
Congress called for:
- Publicly announcing Presidential Directives to name and shame perpetrators.
- Imposing sanctions on individuals and groups involved in violence against Christians.
- Continuing visa restrictions for offenders.
- Reviewing sharia codes and criminal anti-blasphemy laws.
8. National Intelligence Estimate (NIE)
The committees recommended commissioning a National Intelligence Estimate on Nigeria’s sectarian and communal violence and reviewing the classification of certain Fulani militia groups as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.
9. Strategic U.S. Investments
The U.S. Development Finance Corporation was encouraged to expand investments in Nigeria, especially in the Middle Belt region, while mandating GAO audit reports to ensure oversight and effectiveness of aid.
10. International Collaboration
The report urged collaboration with international partners, including France, Hungary and the United Kingdom, to coordinate global efforts to address the crisis.
The congressional document signals heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s religious freedom record and suggests that future U.S. assistance may be tied to measurable progress in protecting vulnerable communities.
With the recommendations now formally before President Trump, attention shifts to the White House and the Nigerian government as both countries face growing pressure to respond to the concerns raised by U.S. lawmakers.
