Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has formally presented a comprehensive report to the White House outlining proposed measures to address the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and confront escalating extremist violence in the region.
The presentation took place during a meeting with members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs, following President ’s October 31, 2025 redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). The CPC classification, issued by the U.S. government, identifies countries deemed to have engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom.
According to Moore, the President tasked him alongside House Appropriations Committee Chairman with leading a comprehensive congressional investigation into the reported persecution of Christian communities and the broader security crisis in Nigeria.
The resulting report, compiled over several months, draws on findings from a bipartisan fact-finding delegation to Nigeria, congressional hearings with expert witnesses, consultations with religious leaders, meetings with internally displaced persons (IDPs), and engagements with senior Nigerian government officials.
Key Recommendations
The report outlines several proposed actions by the United States government, including:
- Establishing a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement aimed at protecting vulnerable Christian communities and dismantling jihadist networks.
- Withholding certain U.S. funds pending demonstrable action by the Nigerian government to curb violence against Christians.
- Imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups found responsible for, or complicit in, religious persecution.
- Providing technical support to Nigerian authorities to address violence attributed to armed Fulani militias.
- Calling for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws deemed discriminatory.
- Coordinating efforts with international partners such as , , and the .
Moore’s Statement
In a statement following the White House meeting, Moore thanked President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a CPC and for prioritizing religious freedom in U.S. foreign policy.
“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,” Moore said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and Congressman Chris Smith for their roles in the investigation and presentation of the report.
Moore recounted witnessing conditions in Nigeria during the bipartisan delegation visit, describing what he termed “horrific atrocities” faced by Christian communities. He said the report provides “a clear picture of the threat environment” and lays out concrete steps to impose accountability measures, counter radical Islamic terrorism, and enhance cooperation with Nigerian authorities.
“Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long,” Moore said. “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.”
The report marks a significant development in U.S.–Nigeria relations and is expected to influence policy discussions on religious freedom, security cooperation, and foreign assistance in the months ahead.
