The United States Congress has escalated diplomatic pressure on Nigeria over alleged religious persecution, calling for the repeal of Sharia-based criminal statutes and blasphemy laws while proposing a comprehensive bilateral security and economic agreement between both nations.
The development follows Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by President Donald Trump in October 2025. Lawmakers in Washington say the move reflects a renewed US focus on addressing religious violence in Africa’s most populous country.
Nigeria was initially listed as a CPC in 2020 during Trump’s first administration but was removed from the list by President Joe Biden shortly after taking office.
Congressional Committees Back Tougher Measures
In a joint position adopted by the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs, members of Congress praised Trump’s decision and described the moment as a critical opportunity to redefine US–Nigeria relations around security cooperation, religious liberty, and governance reforms.
Congressman Riley M. Moore disclosed that the recommendations stemmed from months of bipartisan investigations, oversight hearings, consultations with religious leaders, meetings with internally displaced persons (IDPs), and engagements with Nigerian government officials.
READ MORE:Â Historic Legislative Muslim Caucus Set to Debut at 2026 Maryland Muslim Lobby Day
According to the congressional findings, Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous countries globally for Christians. The report cited repeated attacks attributed to armed groups, including factions described as Fulani militias and terrorist organisations operating in several northern and central states.
Lawmakers referenced killings of clergy and worshippers, destruction of churches and schools, abductions, and the displacement of thousands of civilians—particularly in the Middle Belt region.
Demand for Repeal of Sharia Criminal Codes and Blasphemy Laws
Beyond condemning violence, US lawmakers sharply criticised the continued enforcement of Sharia criminal codes and anti-blasphemy laws in some northern Nigerian states.
They argued that such laws can be weaponised against religious minorities and dissenters, alleging concerns over due process and equal protection under the law. Congress formally urged the Nigerian government to repeal these statutes as part of broader reforms linked to enhanced bilateral cooperation.
The call to abolish these laws marks one of the most direct US interventions in Nigeria’s domestic legal framework in recent years.
Proposed Sanctions and Accountability Measures
The congressional report also recommended targeted sanctions against individuals and groups allegedly connected to religious violence. Proposed measures include visa restrictions and asset freezes.
Among entities previously mentioned in related discussions by US lawmakers are the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Lawmakers said accountability mechanisms would serve as deterrence against further sectarian violence and impunity.
Sweeping Security Pact on the Table
At the core of the congressional proposal is a wide-ranging bilateral security pact between Washington and Abuja.
Under the proposed framework, Nigeria would commit to:
-
Co-funding humanitarian assistance programmes, especially for displaced communities.
-
Deploying adequate security forces to vulnerable regions.
-
Preventing attacks and kidnappings.
-
Removing armed groups from agricultural lands to facilitate the safe return of displaced farmers.
-
Establishing a demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration (DDR) programme to address the proliferation of illicit weapons.
-
Strengthening land reform policies and ranching initiatives.
-
Expanding recruitment and technical training within security agencies.
On the US side, Congress proposed:
-
Expanded counter-terrorism cooperation.
-
Provision of surplus American defence equipment where necessary.
-
Encouragement for Nigeria to transition from Russian military hardware to US defence systems.
-
Closer scrutiny of alleged foreign exploitation, including reported Chinese illegal mining activities.
-
Stricter oversight of US foreign assistance through audits and intelligence assessments.
The report also called for a National Intelligence Estimate to evaluate sectarian and communal violence and determine whether certain militia groups should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.
International Coordination and Diplomatic Engagement
US lawmakers further recommended coordinated diplomatic engagement with key allies, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, to strengthen collective efforts in addressing insecurity in Nigeria.
They also advocated reforms to the US Foreign Military Sales process to accelerate defence collaboration between the two countries.
Presenting the findings at the White House, Rep. Moore stated that the recommendations aim to introduce measurable accountability, confront extremist violence, and deepen security coordination with Nigerian authorities.
Sovereignty and Policy Sensitivities
While recognising Nigeria as a strategic partner in Africa, members of Congress emphasised that stronger political commitment from Abuja would be essential. They urged Nigerian authorities to allocate sufficient resources and take decisive action to curb violence.
However, analysts note that the proposals raise complex issues around national sovereignty, religious law, and federalism. Nigeria operates a plural legal system in which Sharia law applies in certain northern states alongside civil law.
Observers suggest that implementation of the US proposals could significantly reshape diplomatic, economic, and military relations between both nations. At the same time, the recommendations are likely to spark debate within Nigeria over constitutional authority, religious autonomy, and the limits of foreign influence in domestic affairs.
As discussions unfold, the future of US–Nigeria relations may hinge on how both governments balance security cooperation with respect for legal and political sensitivities at home.
Full congressional report as referenced by Rep. Moore was shared publicly.
