The United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have formally submitted a comprehensive report to the White House, detailing findings and recommendations on addressing the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The submission, which took place on Monday, fulfills a mandate given by President Donald Trump following his redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Congressman Riley Moore, who was tasked by President Trump to lead the investigation alongside Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, confirmed the delivery of the report via his official X handle. The investigation included a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, where the delegation visited Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State, spoke directly with victims of terrorism, and engaged with government officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
According to Congressman Moore, the report is the culmination of months of rigorous investigation. "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," Moore stated.
The findings paint a stark picture of the security challenges and the alleged persecution facing Christian communities. Moore emphasized that it is in the interest of both nations for the Nigerian government to use this as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties. "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," he added.
The report outlines several concrete recommendations aimed at curbing the violence. Key proposals include the establishment of a bilateral US-Nigeria security agreement to protect vulnerable communities and dismantle jihadist networks. It also suggests withholding certain US funds pending demonstrable action by the Nigerian government to stop the violence. Further recommendations involve implementing sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals complicit in religious persecution, providing technical support to address violence involving armed Fulani militias, and demanding the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws.
Moore thanked President Trump for his administration's commitment to addressing the issue. "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," he said.
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