The United States Congress has formally submitted a wide-ranging set of recommendations to the White House aimed at tackling what lawmakers describe as escalating persecution of Christians in Nigeria, a report released this week shows.
The report, prepared by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee after months of hearings, expert testimony and fact-finding missions, outlines legislative and diplomatic measures to protect vulnerable religious communities, deepen security cooperation and impose accountability for those accused of violence.
Key proposals include calls for sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals and groups allegedly behind religious violence, the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws in Nigeria’s northern states, and strengthened efforts to disarm extremist militias.
Lawmakers cited findings that “Nigeria is the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” pointing to attacks by armed groups and widespread insecurity.
Congress also recommended the establishment of a bilateral U.S.,Nigeria security agreement to protect threatened communities and counter extremist networks, while urging enhanced humanitarian support for internally displaced persons, particularly in the predominantly Christian Middle Belt.
Other measures in the report call for increased oversight of Nigerian security forces, improved anti-money-laundering efforts to disrupt terror financing, and a shift away from Russian military equipment in favour of U.S. defence systems to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
In addition to security and legal reforms, lawmakers urged the U.S. government to withhold certain funds until “demonstrable action” is shown by Nigerian authorities to curb violence and protect religious freedom.
Nigeria’s Federal Government responded to the report by rejecting claims of state-sponsored religious persecution, saying the country faces complex security challenges including terrorism and banditry that are not rooted in religious policy.
Abuja reaffirmed its constitutional commitment to religious freedom while calling for continued diplomatic engagement with international partners.
Reactions within Nigeria have been mixed: some religious groups warn that foreign pressure to repeal Sharia and anti-blasphemy laws could inflame tensions, while others support constitutional reform as part of broader efforts to ensure equal protection for all faiths.
