By Nworisa Michael
A bipartisan coalition in the United States Congress has submitted a comprehensive set of recommendations to former U.S. President Donald Trump concerning religious violence in Nigeria, urging diplomatic, security and economic actions.
The recommendations are contained in a joint report by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee titled “Ending the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria.” The document followed an investigative roundtable and a delegation visit to Nigeria led by Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul.
The report describes Nigeria as one of the most dangerous places for Christians globally, citing attacks by armed groups, destruction of churches, kidnappings, and the enforcement of blasphemy laws.
McCaul stated that the systematic targeting of Christians constitutes a violation of religious freedom and human dignity, calling for a coordinated international response. Diaz-Balart emphasized that U.S. assistance should be tied to measurable efforts by Nigerian authorities to protect citizens regardless of faith.
Key Recommendations
- Redesignation as Country of Particular Concern (CPC)
Lawmakers urged the redesignation of Nigeria as a CPC under U.S. religious freedom laws to compel stronger accountability mechanisms. - Bilateral Security and Economic Agreement
The report proposes a formal agreement between the U.S. and Nigeria to counter sectarian violence, strengthen economic cooperation, and address external geopolitical influence in the region. - Humanitarian Support for IDPs
Nigeria is encouraged to co-fund humanitarian aid for internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in the Middle Belt, and strengthen early-warning and rapid-response security systems. - Addressing Armed Militias
The committees recommended removing armed groups from confiscated farmland, ensuring lawful land restoration, and protecting displaced communities seeking voluntary return. - Security Sector Reform
The U.S. is urged to support demobilisation and reintegration programmes, enhance security force training, and streamline defence equipment delivery processes. - Counter-Terrorism and Financial Controls
Recommendations include disrupting militia financing networks, strengthening anti-money laundering efforts, and addressing alleged foreign-linked illegal mining activities. - Accountability Measures
Lawmakers called for targeted sanctions, visa restrictions, public identification of perpetrators, and review of certain legal frameworks including blasphemy laws. - National Intelligence Estimate (NIE)
The report recommends commissioning a National Intelligence Estimate on Nigeria’s sectarian violence and reviewing the classification of some armed groups. - Strategic U.S. Investments
The U.S. Development Finance Corporation is encouraged to expand investments in vulnerable regions while ensuring oversight through audit mechanisms. - International Collaboration
The report calls for coordinated efforts with international partners including France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.
The document signals increased scrutiny of Nigeria’s religious freedom record and suggests that future U.S. assistance could be tied to demonstrable progress in protecting vulnerable communities.
With the recommendations formally submitted, attention now turns to both Washington and Abuja regarding possible diplomatic and policy responses.
