Following President Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), the House Appropriations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee have delivered a joint report to the White House detailing the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The report is based on a comprehensive investigation, including expert interviews, hearings, roundtables, bipartisan congressional delegations to Nigeria, and collaboration with the Trump Administration.
The committees describe Nigeria as one of the most dangerous places for Christians, citing sustained violence by jihadist groups who take advantage of weak law enforcement and limited accountability. According to committee members, this violence affects innocent communities and has broader implications for regional stability and U.S. national security interests. The report argues that failing to address these threats could encourage further attacks.
The report recommends several actions in line with President Trump’s directives:
– Establishing a bilateral agreement between the United States and Nigeria to protect Christian communities and counter terror activity.
– Enforcing provisions in the FY26 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act that withhold funding from Nigeria until action is taken against violence targeting Christians.
– Publicly naming perpetrators through CPC Presidential Directives.
– Imposing sanctions on individuals or groups involved in anti-Christian violence.
– Continuing visa restrictions for those responsible for religious freedom violations.
– Calling for the repeal of sharia codes and anti-blasphemy laws.
– Using economic leverage, such as blocking beef exports, to pressure Fulani herdsmen to disarm.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole stated: “Liberty continues when strength stands guard. The freedom to worship is not a fleeting ideal, it is a cornerstone of America. From U.S. beginnings, our shores drew those seeking to pray without fear, and that promise must endure. So, though oceans stand between us, the call to protect faith and humanity does not fade with distance. President Trump made that clear when taking decisive action in Nigeria while simultaneously tasking us to deliver a report on further actions to protect persecuted Christians. I commend the work of our Vice Chair and NSRP Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Riley Moore, and our committee members in leading efforts to stop extremism and systemic violence against innocent people. Our joint report focuses on defending lives, upholding religious liberty, and stopping terrorists. We affirm a necessary duality, no matter where we are: we defend U.S. principles by enforcing security. We protect faith by dismantling terror. And we recognize that a world where believers are safe is not achieved through hope alone – it is secured through vigilance that deters evil, confronts violence, and stands watch so prayer is never left undefended.”
Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs said: “During my official travel to Nigeria, I heard directly from witnesses and experts about the horrific violence being carried out against Christians. No one should face persecution or death for practicing their faith. President Trump’s America First foreign policy makes clear that defending fundamental freedoms, including religious liberty, is a core U.S. priority at home and abroad. I am proud to aid in that mission through the FY26 National Security and Department of State legislation, which withholds assistance to the Government of Nigeria until action is taken to stop these atrocities. We must stand with vulnerable communities, including Christian communities, and ensure those responsible for this violence are held accountable.”
Riley Moore (R-WV), Legislative Branch Subcommittee Vice Chair added: “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. Since President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a CPC and tasked me to lead a Congressional investigation, I have worked diligently with my colleagues to produce the report we presented today. I also want to thank House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and Congressman Chris Smith for their leadership on this comprehensive investigation and delivering this report to the White House. I traveled on a bipartisan delegation to Nigeria and saw with my own eyes the horrific atrocities Christians face, and the instability the Nigerian government must combat. Through Congressional hearings, expert testimony, meeting with Internally Displaced People, hearing from religious leaders, and engaging with high-level Nigerian government officials we have provided a clear picture of the threat environment in Nigeria and the horrific persecution Christians face. This report outlines concrete steps to impose accountability measures counter radical Islamic terrorism,and lays out a plan work in coordination cooperation with Nigerian government bring security all people Our brothers sisters Christ have suffered silence too long world now watching urge take opportunity deepen strengthen its relationship United States Doing so interest both great nations Together must address pressing challenges bring an end violence against Christians.”
Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Labor Health Human Services Education Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Values Action Team Chair said: “Religious freedom is not simply an American value; it is a universal right rooted in dignity every human being President Reagan quoted Bible when he spoke about America as ‘shining city hill’ beacon hope those yearning live worship freely That light must continue shine persecuted believers around world Violence against elsewhere demands more than concern requires steadfast action grateful leadership diligent work colleagues producing outlines meaningful steps confront extremism protect vulnerable communities When defend liberty abroad reaffirm principles make nation strong faithful unafraid stand what right”
Scott Franklin (R-FL), Agriculture Rural Development Food Drug Administration Related Agencies Subcommittee Vice Chair said: “During our visit saw firsthand devastating impact persecution Christian communities Religious freedom fundamental human right no one should live fear practicing faith Congress responsibility ensure strong oversight real accountability United States must continue standing confronting extremist wherever occurs”
Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Homeland Security Vice Chair stated: “Last December traveled bipartisan group members Congress saw firsthand toll targeted taken Families living fear networks exploiting instability little accountability joint now being delivered makes clear status quo unacceptable Protecting confronting terrorism requires decisive real consequences With redesignation critical opportunity bring meaningful change crisis gone far too long”
Brian Mast (R-FL), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman said: “The U.S will not turn blind eye persecution This shows unrelenting plight faced years Thanks paying greater attention issue leading strength throughout globe.”
Chris Smith (R-NJ), House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa Chairman said: “President Trump’s bold well-founded redesignation ‘Country Particular Concern’ was not just declaration directive For nearly twenty years Nigerian government complicit complacent violent occurring within borders By failing punish prosecute Islamist extremists wantonly rape torture murder non-radical Muslims only emboldened terrorist thugs inflict even more suffering joint requested compiled critical tool helping help own provides comprehensive recommendations follow throughout efforts curb ranging agreements sanctions well past time dismantle culture denial surrounding provides proper tools do so.”
This effort highlights ongoing congressional focus on religious freedom worldwide.
Chris Smith currently serves as representative for New Jersey’s 4th district in Congress since 1981 after succeeding Frank Thompson; he was born in Rahway in 1953.
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