US Congressional Panel Recommends Sanctions Against Nigeria Over Religious Freedom Concerns
A United States congressional panel has formally recommended economic sanctions and punitive measures against Nigeria, citing persistent persecution of Christian communities and escalating extremist violence.
The recommendations were detailed in a report submitted to President Donald Trump by members of the House Committee on Appropriations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
This move follows the President’s earlier redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and a subsequent directive for a congressional investigation into religious insecurity.
Led by Congressman Riley Moore, the panel’s report urges the US government to withhold specific categories of funding until the Nigerian authorities demonstrate concrete actions to protect vulnerable populations.
Proposed measures include targeted economic sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals or groups complicit in religious persecution.
Additionally, the report suggests a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement focused on dismantling jihadist networks and providing technical assistance to address violence involving armed militias.
The panel’s findings were the result of extensive expert testimony, consultations with religious leaders, and two bipartisan fact-finding missions to Nigeria.
During these visits, US lawmakers inspected Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State and held high-level discussions with senior Nigerian officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Beyond security measures, the report advocates for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws and recommends that the United States coordinate its policy response with international partners like the United Kingdom, France, and Hungary.
Congressman Moore emphasized that the panel now possesses a clear understanding of the threats facing religious minorities and insists that accountability is essential to curbing extremism.
While the report highlights the possibility of continued cooperation, the panel maintained that future US financial support and diplomatic engagement will be contingent upon measurable progress by the Nigerian government in addressing these human rights and security challenges.
