‘Christian genocide’: US Congress submits Nigeria report to White House, urges sanctions
By Jeffrey Agbo
The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have submitted a detailed report to the White House, outlining allegations of widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria and recommending a range of policy responses, including possible sanctions.
The report, formally presented on Monday, examines patterns of religious violence in the country and proposes measures aimed at strengthening accountability, curbing extremist activities, and enhancing security cooperation between the United States and Nigeria.
Confirming the submission, Riley Moore said the document sets out specific steps Washington could take to address the situation. In a post on his X handle, the congressman noted that the report contains “concrete actions to end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and counter growing extremist violence in the region.”
The investigation followed President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and his directive mandating Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead a detailed congressional probe into the situation.
According to Moore, the report was the product of months of investigation, including hearings with expert witnesses, consultations with religious leaders, a roundtable session, and two bipartisan fact-finding visits to Nigeria. During one of the visits, the delegation toured Internally Displaced Persons camps in Benue State, met victims of terrorism, and held discussions with senior Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Moore said the investigative team now has a clearer understanding of the security threats in Nigeria and the challenges facing Christian communities.
The report recommends the establishment of a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement aimed at protecting vulnerable Christian communities and dismantling jihadist networks. It also proposes withholding certain US funds pending demonstrable action by the Nigerian government to curb violence.
Other recommendations include imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups allegedly responsible for religious persecution, providing technical support to address violence attributed to armed Fulani militias, demanding the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws, and working with international partners such as France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Moore urged the Nigerian government to seize the opportunity to strengthen its relationship with the United States, describing such cooperation as being in the interest of both countries.
He also thanked President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a CPC and expressed appreciation to House leaders, including Chairman Tom Cole, Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Congressman Chris Smith, for their roles in delivering the report.
