The United States Congress has urged the establishment of a comprehensive bilateral agreement between Washington and Abuja focused on protecting vulnerable Christian communities, dismantling jihadist terror networks, and countering the growing influence of China and Russia in Nigeria.
The call was contained in a joint decision by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. 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 move as a decisive step toward holding perpetrators of violence accountable.
In October 2026, the United States announced that Nigeria would once again be placed on the US Department of State’s list of Countries of Particular Concern. President Donald Trump stated that the decision was based on allegations of religious persecution, claiming that Christians in Nigeria were facing severe violence.
Nigeria was previously designated as a CPC in 2020 during Trump’s earlier administration but was later removed from the list under former President Joe Biden.
Earlier in February, members of Congress also recommended imposing visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of violating religious freedom and persecuting Christians in Nigeria.
Lawmakers said the redesignation aims to compel the Nigerian government to better protect vulnerable communities and take stronger action against religious persecution.
As part of congressional efforts, an investigation was launched into alleged persecution and killings of Nigerian Christians. Several hearings, roundtables, and fact-finding engagements were held, including testimony from government officials and civil society representatives.
Following its review, Congress concluded that Nigeria has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians, citing decades of persistent violence and insecurity.
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