US House Committees submit report to White House on Christian persecution in Nigeria, proposing sanctions and a bilateral security agreement

The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs on Monday formally submitted a comprehensive report to the White House detailing findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

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The investigation was initiated after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and tasked Riley Moore and Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, with leading a comprehensive probe into security challenges and alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.

Moore confirmed the submission of the report via his official X handle, stating that the document outlines “concrete actions” to end violence against Christian communities and counter extremist threats in the region.

The report followed months of investigation, including bipartisan congressional delegations to Nigeria, hearings with expert witnesses, roundtable discussions, and consultations with religious leaders.

The delegation visited Internally Displaced Persons camps in Benue State and met with Nigerian officials led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

According to Moore, the US team now has a clearer understanding of the threats facing Christian communities and broader security challenges confronting Nigeria.

He urged the Nigerian government to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States, describing such cooperation as being in the interest of both nations.

The report recommends establishing a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling extremist networks.

It also proposes withholding certain US funds pending demonstrable action by the Nigerian government, implementing sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals implicated in religious persecution, and providing technical support to address violence linked to armed groups.

Additional recommendations include calls for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws and collaboration with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.

Moore expressed appreciation to President Trump and fellow lawmakers, including Mario Diaz-Balart, Brian Mast, and Chris Smith, for their roles in the investigation.

He stated that firsthand observations during the delegation’s visit to Nigeria underscored the urgency of addressing ongoing violence and instability.