The U.S. House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs have recommended a series of measures aimed at tackling what they describe as the “persecution of Christians” in Nigeria. The recommendations were submitted to the White House following President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom violations.
Released on Monday by committee chairman Riley Moore, the report outlines proposals to improve security, protect religious freedom, and counter foreign influence in Nigeria.
Key recommendations include:
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Reducing Nigerian-Russian Military Ties: Nigeria is urged to divest from Russian military equipment and procure U.S. defense systems through sales and financing arrangements.
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Bilateral Agreement with the U.S.: The report calls for a comprehensive agreement between Washington and Abuja to:
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Protect vulnerable Christian communities from violent persecution.
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Eliminate jihadist terrorist networks.
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Counter Chinese and Russian influence in the region.
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Support humanitarian assistance, particularly in the Middle Belt, through co-funding and faith-based organizations.
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Deploy security forces to prevent attacks and kidnappings and hold accountable those who fail to act.
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Remove Fulani militias from productive farmland and facilitate the safe return of displaced communities.
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Support Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock, ranching initiatives, and land reforms.
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Enhance security forces’ recruitment, training, and responsiveness.
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Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Expand efforts to eliminate foreign terrorist organizations threatening both Nigeria and U.S. interests, including providing defense equipment and technical support.
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Addressing Fulani Militias:
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Develop programs for demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration of armed Fulani groups.
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Use leverage, including potential restrictions on beef and cattle exports to select countries, to compel disarmament.
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Monitor and disrupt financial support for militias, including revenues from illegal mining and protection money.
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Legal and Policy Reforms:
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Repeal Sharia codes and anti-blasphemy laws.
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Continue visa restrictions and implement sanctions on individuals and groups involved in violence against Christians.
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Enhance policing, criminal justice, anti-money laundering, and counter-terror financing efforts.
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Diplomatic and Financial Measures:
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Ensure adequate staffing at U.S. diplomatic posts in Nigeria.
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Improve Foreign Military Sales processes to expedite security support.
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Require National Intelligence Estimates on sectarian violence and assess classifying Fulani militia groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
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Engage international partners including France, Hungary, and the U.K.
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The report emphasizes accountability by requiring proof of progress before additional U.S. funds are allocated, and calls for GAO audits to strengthen oversight of U.S. aid to Nigeria.