US Congress calls for Nigeria Christian protection through a bilateral agreement to combat terrorism, violence, and foreign influence in the country

The United States Congress has recommended a comprehensive bilateral agreement with Nigeria aimed at safeguarding vulnerable Christian communities, dismantling jihadist networks, and countering Chinese and Russian influence in the country.

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The recommendations were outlined in a joint statement by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, shared on X by Congressman Riley Moore on Tuesday.

Titled “Ending the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” the report commended President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a move aimed at holding perpetrators accountable.

Nigeria was first listed in 2020 under President Trump, removed under President Joe Biden, and reinstated in October 2025 amid reports of targeted attacks on Christian communities.

The congressional report alleged that Christians in Nigeria have faced decades of violence from armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, resulting in thousands of deaths, church and school destruction, and widespread kidnappings.

It also criticised blasphemy laws in some northern states as tools for suppressing dissent and targeting minorities.

Central to the proposed agreement, Congress urged Washington and Abuja to co-fund humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons, deploy adequate security forces, restore agricultural lands affected by armed groups, and enhance counter-terrorism collaboration.

Additional measures include sanctions against perpetrators, expanded visa restrictions, and improved oversight of US aid.

The committees also emphasised strategic economic cooperation and a shift away from Russian military equipment toward American defence systems.

Engagement with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, alongside strengthened US diplomatic presence in Nigeria, was recommended.

The Nigerian government welcomed the report as an opportunity to strengthen security cooperation while reaffirming that attacks on civilians are not driven by state policy or religious bias.

In a statement, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said the Federal Government remains committed to protecting all Nigerians regardless of religion or region and will continue to engage international partners in a manner that respects Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.

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The report and subsequent dialogue mark a significant moment for US-Nigeria relations, presenting what Congress described as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to enhance security, support religious freedom, and strengthen bilateral ties.