US moves to pursue bilateral agreement with Nigeria to halt Christian persecution

The United States Congress has called for a far-reaching bilateral agreement between Washington and Abuja aimed at safeguarding vulnerable Christian communities, dismantling jihadist networks, and countering Chinese and Russian influence in Nigeria.

The call followed a joint resolution by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, shared on X on Tuesday by Congressman Riley Moore.

In a statement titled “Ending the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” lawmakers praised President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), describing the decision as a firm step toward holding perpetrators of violence accountable.

In October 2026, the United States announced for the second time that Nigeria would be added to the US Department of State list of Countries of Particular Concern. Trump later said Nigeria was being placed on a religious freedom watchlist, alleging that Christians were being persecuted and killed.

Nigeria was first designated a CPC in 2020 under Trump’s administration, but the status was reversed shortly after former President Joe Biden assumed office.

In February, US lawmakers also recommended visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups accused of violating religious freedom and targeting Christians in Nigeria. Those mentioned included former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

Commending Trump’s action, the House Appropriations Committee said the redesignation was intended to compel Nigerian authorities to protect vulnerable communities and bring an end to religious persecution.

Congressional investigations and findings
According to the statement, Trump directed Rep. Moore, House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, and the committee to investigate what lawmakers described as the persecution and killing of Christians in Nigeria.

As part of the probe, Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart convened an investigative roundtable and led a congressional delegation to Nigeria. Separately, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Africa Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith organised hearings featuring testimony from government officials and civil society groups.

The committees said the process culminated in a set of policy recommendations.
In their findings, lawmakers declared Nigeria “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” alleging that Christians face persistent attacks by armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, leading to tens of thousands of deaths, destruction of churches and schools, and widespread kidnappings.

They also criticised blasphemy laws enforced in parts of northern Nigeria, arguing that the laws are used to suppress dissent, target Christians and minorities, and secure convictions without due process.

While acknowledging Nigeria as a key US partner, Congress insisted the government must show stronger political commitment.
Although Nigeria remains an important ally, the statement said, authorities must allocate domestic resources to reduce and ultimately end the violence.

Lawmakers urged both countries to seize the moment to redefine their partnership in a way that enhances security, prosperity, and stability.

Proposed bilateral agreement
Central to the recommendations is a proposed bilateral security and economic pact. Congress urged Trump to pursue an agreement with Nigeria focused on protecting Christian communities, eliminating jihadist threats, expanding economic cooperation, and countering regional adversaries, including China and Russia.

Under the proposed deal, Nigeria would co-fund humanitarian assistance particularly through faith-based organisations—with priority given to internally displaced persons in predominantly Christian areas of the Middle Belt.

Other proposals include strengthening early-warning systems to prevent attacks and kidnappings, deploying capable security forces for rapid response, clearing armed militias from seized farmlands, and enabling displaced communities to return home safely.

Lawmakers also called for expanded security cooperation, including reducing reliance on Russian military hardware in favour of American defence systems through sales and financing arrangements.

Additional recommendations covered technical support for disarmament and reintegration programmes, reforms in livestock management and ranching, land reforms, and improved recruitment and training within Nigeria’s security forces.

The committees further advocated enhanced counter-terrorism collaboration, provision of excess US defence equipment where necessary, and measures to curb what they described as destabilising Chinese illegal mining activities.

Other measures outlined include stricter accountability for US aid, sanctions against perpetrators of religious violence, continued visa restrictions, repeal of Sharia-based criminal and blasphemy laws, audits of US assistance to Nigeria, and intelligence reviews of sectarian violence.

The lawmakers said the recommendations represent a rare opportunity for meaningful change following Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern.