A United States congressional panel has recommended the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws in Nigeria as part of measures to address the persecution of Christians and rising insecurity in the country.
The recommendation is contained in a report presented at the White House by Congressman Riley M. Moore, working alongside members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs.
The report followed President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on October 31, 2025. According to a statement issued by Moore, President Trump directed him and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead a comprehensive congressional investigation into the persecution of Christian communities and broader security concerns in Nigeria.
The findings were the result of months of engagement, including a bipartisan fact-finding visit to Nigeria, congressional hearings with expert witnesses, consultations with religious leaders, meetings with Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and discussions with senior Nigerian government officials.
Among the key recommendations are the establishment of a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement aimed at protecting vulnerable Christian communities and dismantling jihadist networks; withholding certain U.S. funds pending measurable action by the Nigerian government to halt violence against Christians; imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups responsible for or complicit in religious persecution; providing technical support to address violence linked to armed Fulani militias; demanding the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws; and strengthening coordination with international partners, including France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.
Speaking after the White House meeting, Congressman Moore said, “Following today’s productive meeting at the White House, I would like to express my gratitude to 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.
ALSO READ European tech firm loses $6.2m arbitration case against 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 extend my appreciation to 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 witnessed firsthand the horrific atrocities Christians face, as well as the instability the Nigerian government must combat. Through Congressional hearings, expert testimony, meetings with Internally Displaced People, consultations with religious leaders, and engagement 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 to work in coordination and cooperation with the Nigerian government to bring security to all the people of Nigeria.
“Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is now watching, and I urge the Nigerian government to seize the opportunity to deepen and strengthen its relationship with the United States. Doing so is in the interest of both our great nations. Together, we must address these pressing security challenges and bring an end to violence against Christians.”
The development adds a new diplomatic dimension to ongoing discussions on religious freedom, counter-terrorism efforts and security reforms in Nigeria.
The News Reporters
