By Our Correspondent
U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore has formally presented a comprehensive report to President Donald J. Trump outlining recommendations to address the persecution of Christians and escalating extremist violence in Nigeria. The report was delivered at the White House alongside members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs, following President Trump’s October 31, 2025 redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
According to a press release, President Trump tasked Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole with leading a detailed congressional investigation into religious persecution and broader security challenges in Nigeria. The report follows months of bipartisan efforts, including a fact-finding visit to Nigeria, hearings with expert witnesses, consultations with religious leaders, meetings with Internally Displaced Persons, and engagements with senior Nigerian government officials.
The document outlines key recommendations such as establishing a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement to protect vulnerable Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks; withholding certain U.S. funds pending measurable action by the Nigerian government; imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals complicit in religious persecution; providing technical support to eliminate violence linked to armed Fulani militias; demanding the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws; and strengthening coordination with international partners including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.
The move signals a potential shift toward stronger U.S. oversight of Nigeria’s security and human rights record, with implications for diplomatic relations and foreign assistance. The White House has yet to issue a detailed response outlining next steps, but the recommendations, if adopted, could mark a significant escalation in U.S. engagement on the issue.
Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:
“Following today’s productive meeting at the White House, I want to thank President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and for his Administration’s commitment to protecting our brothers and sisters in Christ from persecution and addressing the broader security challenges plaguing Nigeria. Since President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a CPC and tasked me to lead a Congressional investigation, I have worked diligently with my colleagues to produce the report we presented today. I also want to thank House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Congressman Chris Smith for their leadership on this comprehensive investigation and delivering this report to the White House.
I traveled on a bipartisan delegation to Nigeria and saw with my own eyes the horrific atrocities Christians face, and the instability the Nigerian government must combat. Through Congressional hearings, expert testimony, meeting with Internally Displaced People, hearing from religious leaders, and engaging with high-level Nigerian government officials, we have provided a clear picture of the threat environment in Nigeria and the horrific persecution Christians face. This report outlines concrete steps to impose accountability measures, counter radical Islamic terrorism, and lays out a plan to work in coordination and cooperation with the Nigerian government to bring security to all the people of Nigeria.
Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is now watching, and I urge the Nigerian government to take the opportunity to deepen and strengthen its relationship with the United States. Doing so is in the interest of both our great nations. Together, we must address these pressing security challenges and bring an end to violence against Christians.”