The U.S. House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs on Monday submitted a report to the White House detailing findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The submission follows President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, prompting an investigation led by Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole into violence against Christian communities and broader security challenges in the country.
Moore said the report was formally presented at the White House on Monday and described it as the result of months of bipartisan investigation.
The inquiry included hearings with expert witnesses, consultations with religious leaders, meetings with internally displaced persons (IDPs), and two congressional fact-finding visits to Nigeria. During the visits, U.S. lawmakers toured IDP camps in Benue State, met victims of extremist violence and held talks with senior Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
According to Moore, the delegation gained what he described as a clearer understanding of security threats facing Christian communities in Nigeria.
The report recommends negotiating a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling jihadist networks. It also proposes withholding certain U.S. funds until Nigeria takes “concrete action” to curb violence against Christians.
Additional measures outlined include targeted sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals accused of religious persecution, technical support to counter armed Fulani militias, and advocacy for repealing Sharia and blasphemy laws. The report also calls for coordination with international partners, including France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Moore urged Nigerian authorities to use the moment to strengthen ties with Washington and address what he described as pressing security concerns.
The Presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser have yet to publicly respond to the report and Moore’s recommendations.
