A report submitted to US President Donald Trump by Congressman Riley M. Moore has urged sweeping measures to address alleged violence against Christians in Nigeria, including the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws in certain northern states.
The document, delivered at the White House alongside members of key House committees, proposes what Moore described as “concrete actions” to end religious persecution and confront extremist violence.
The development follows Nigeria’s redesignation on October 31, 2025, as a Country of Particular Concern under the US International Religious Freedom Act.
Moore said he and Tom Cole were assigned to spearhead a congressional investigation into Nigeria’s security landscape and reported cases of persecution targeting Christian communities.
He said the findings were based on months of bipartisan inquiry, including a visit to Nigeria, consultations with experts and religious leaders, meetings with internally displaced persons, and discussions with Nigerian officials.
“Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is now watching,” Moore stated, urging Nigerian authorities to seize the moment to strengthen relations with Washington.
Proposed Measures
The report recommends a bilateral US-Nigeria security agreement aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and combating jihadist networks.
It further proposes withholding certain categories of US assistance until Nigeria demonstrates measurable progress in curbing violence against Christians. Sanctions and visa bans for individuals or groups implicated in religious persecution are also suggested.
A key recommendation is the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws. In 12 northern states, Sharia courts function alongside secular judicial systems, primarily overseeing civil matters for Muslims.
Human rights advocates have previously criticised the application of blasphemy laws, particularly regarding fair trial standards.
The report also encourages cooperation with international partners, including France, Hungary and the United Kingdom, and calls for technical assistance to help Nigeria address violence linked to armed Fulani militias.
Broader Security Challenges
Nigeria continues to face layered security threats. The Islamist insurgency in the northeast, driven by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, has displaced millions.
Meanwhile, banditry and kidnappings plague parts of the northwest and north-central zones. Farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt, often shaped by disputes over land and resources, have also escalated into deadly confrontations sometimes framed along religious lines.
The Nigerian government has consistently denied allegations of systematic or state-backed persecution, stating that insecurity cuts across religious and ethnic divides. Officials in Abuja maintain that the government remains committed to protecting religious freedom and prosecuting perpetrators of violence.
No immediate policy action has been announced by the White House following the presentation of the report. Observers note that any move to impose sanctions or reduce US assistance could impact diplomatic relations between both countries, longstanding partners in trade, counterterrorism and regional security cooperation.