The U.S. Congress has called on Nigeria to take concrete steps to address what it describes as rising persecution of Christians, urging stronger governance, improved policing, and legal reforms to protect vulnerable communities.
The recommendations come months after former President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over religious persecution. Lawmakers, including members of the House Foreign Affairs and Appropriations Committees, urged the U.S. administration to enforce measures against perpetrators, including sanctions, visa restrictions, and public accountability.
“Nigeria is the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” the report states. “Christians face ongoing violent attacks from well-armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, the destruction of churches and schools, and widespread kidnappings.”
Among the proposals, Congress recommended repealing Sharia and blasphemy laws in northern states, pressuring Fulani herdsmen to disarm, and strengthening farmers’ ability to defend themselves legally. The report also calls for expanded U.S.-Nigeria counter-terrorism cooperation, reduction of Chinese influence linked to militia financing, and divestment from Russian military equipment.
U.S. Representative Riley M. Moore, who led the congressional investigation, emphasized the bipartisan nature of the effort.
“Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is watching, and we urge the Nigerian government to take this opportunity to strengthen its partnership with the United States and protect all citizens.”
Nigeria quickly rejected claims of state-sanctioned religious persecution. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the violence stems from terrorism, criminality, and communal tensions rather than any government policy.
“Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” Idris said, stressing the country’s constitutional guarantee of religious freedom and ongoing security and humanitarian efforts.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) warned that international pressure to repeal Sharia laws could spark religious tensions. A senior CAN official suggested that a new, inclusive constitution reflecting all faiths and ethnic groups would be a safer long-term approach than piecemeal amendments.
“Religion is extremely sensitive. Any misstep could destabilize the country. Our focus should be on protecting all citizens while addressing abuses without undermining cultural or religious systems,” the official said.
The debate underscores Nigeria’s tightrope walk: confronting violent extremism and human rights violations while maintaining social cohesion in a religiously and ethnically diverse nation.
The U.S. Congress recommendations intensify international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges, signaling pressure on Abuja to demonstrate meaningful action to safeguard its citizens.
