The House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs of the United States Congress have recommended a series of measures aimed at addressing what they described as the “persecution of Christians” in Nigeria.
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The recommendations followed the formal submission of a report to the White House outlining the committee’s findings and proposals. The submission came after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
In the report released on Monday by committee chairman Riley Moore, lawmakers proposed several steps to address the alleged crisis and improve security and religious freedom.
One key recommendation calls on Nigeria to distance itself from Russia in the security sphere, including divesting from Russian military hardware and procuring U.S. defense equipment through sales and financing arrangements.
The committees also proposed a sweeping bilateral agreement between Washington and Abuja aimed at:
- Protecting vulnerable Christian communities,
- Eliminating jihadist terror networks, and
- Countering Chinese and Russian influence in Nigeria.
Additionally, the report suggested:
- Blocking beef and other cattle-related exports to certain countries to compel Fulani herdsmen to disarm amid reports of attacks on Christian communities, and
- Continuing visa restrictions on individuals involved in violence against Christians and violations of religious freedom.
Full Recommendations
1. Bilateral Agreement Between the U.S. and Nigeria
The agreement should include:
Commitments by the Government of Nigeria:
- Co-fund donor-supported humanitarian assistance, prioritizing underserved communities of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their host communities, especially in the predominantly Christian Middle Belt region.
- Respond to early-warning mechanisms to prevent attacks and kidnappings by deploying sufficient and capable security forces, and hold those who ignore warnings accountable.
- Remove Fulani militias from confiscated farmland and enable the voluntary return of displaced communities, ensuring security and infrastructure to reduce humanitarian dependence and boost agricultural productivity.
- Continue and expand security cooperation with the U.S., including divestment from Russian military equipment.
Technical Support to Reduce Violence from Armed Fulani Militias:
- Develop a demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration program to address illicit weapons and support safer communities.
- Support the new Ministry of Livestock, ranching plans, and meaningful land reform.
- Enhance the recruitment, technical capabilities, and readiness of security forces to prevent and respond to violent attacks.
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation:
- Rigorously target Foreign Terrorist Organizations posing threats to the U.S.
- Provide excess defense equipment and use relevant drawdown authorities.
- Counter hostile foreign exploitation, including Chinese illegal mining operations that fund militias.
2. Implementation of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026
The Act supports:
- Increased accountability through proof of progress before additional funds are obligated.
- Programs addressing religious freedom, atrocity response, legal reforms, improved policing, criminal justice strengthening, anti-money laundering, and disruption of terrorist financing networks.
- Treasury Department programs to safeguard U.S. national security and enhance trade balance with Nigeria.
- U.S. Development Finance Corporation investments in Nigeria, especially the Middle Belt.
- GAO audits on aid effectiveness and recommendations for stronger oversight.
3. Other Key Recommendations:
- Invoke and publicly announce the CPC Presidential Directives to name and shame perpetrators of violence.
- Implement sanctions on groups and individuals participating in or tolerating violence against Christians.
- Continue visa restrictions for perpetrators involved in Christian violence.
- Demand the repeal of sharia codes and criminal anti-blasphemy laws.
- Use leverage to compel Fulani herdsmen to disarm, including blocking exports of beef and cattle products to Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal.
- Ensure adequate staffing of U.S. diplomatic posts in Nigeria.
- Improve the Foreign Military Sales process to expedite procurement and delivery of defense articles.
- Require a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Nigeria’s sectarian and communal violence and review the classification of Fulani militia groups and others as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
- Enlist international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, to support these initiatives.
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