The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally submitted to the White House a comprehensive report outlining findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, marking a significant step in Washington’s engagement with Nigeria’s security and religious freedom concerns.
Congressman Riley Moore confirmed the submission on Monday, stating that the investigation followed President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and his directive for a detailed congressional inquiry.
Moore, who led bipartisan fact-finding delegations to Nigeria, said the report was grounded in extensive consultations and field assessments.
“Doing so is in the interest of both our great nations. Together, we must address these pressing security challenges and bring an end to violence against Christians,” Moore said.
The congressman disclosed that the US team’s conclusions were drawn from hearings with expert witnesses, roundtable discussions, on-the-ground evaluations, and engagements with victims, religious leaders, and Nigerian officials, including meetings led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
He said, “Today, Congressman Riley M. Moore joined members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs at the White House to formally present the comprehensive report outlining concrete actions to end the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and counter growing extremist violence in the region.
“This report is the result of months of investigation, including a bipartisan congressional fact-finding trip to Nigeria, hearings with expert witnesses, consultations with religious leaders, meetings with Internally Displaced Persons, and engagement with senior Nigerian government officials.”
According to Moore, the report proposes a range of policy measures aimed at strengthening accountability and security cooperation.
The recommendations include establishing a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement to protect vulnerable Christian communities, withholding certain US funds pending demonstrable action by Nigeria, implementing sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals linked to religious persecution, and providing technical support to address violence attributed to armed Fulani militias.
The document also calls for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws and urges collaboration with international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.
Moore further acknowledged President Trump’s role in initiating the process.
“Following today’s productive meeting at the White House, I want to thank President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and for his administration’s commitment to protecting our brothers and sisters in Christ from persecution and addressing the broader security challenges plaguing Nigeria.
“Since President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a CPC and tasked me to lead a congressional investigation, I have worked diligently with my colleagues to produce the report we presented today. I also want to thank House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Congressman Chris Smith for their leadership on this comprehensive investigation and for delivering this report to the White House.”
