ABUJA, Nigeria — The United States Congress has recommended a broad bilateral agreement between Washington and Abuja, Nigeria, to protect Christian communities, counter jihadist terror groups, and address Chinese and Russian influence in the country.
Congressional committees, including the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, highlighted that Nigeria has become one of the deadliest countries for Christians, citing attacks by well-armed Fulani militias and other extremist groups that have killed tens of thousands and destroyed churches and schools.
The lawmakers praised US President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom in October 2026. The designation followed a period in which Nigeria was removed from the CPC list by former President Joe Biden. President Trump indicated on X that Christians were being persecuted and slaughtered in Nigeria.
Congress urged Trump to establish a bilateral security and economic pact, proposing measures including co-funding humanitarian programs in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, early-warning systems against attacks, deployment of capable security forces, and removing militias from farmlands to allow displaced communities to return safely.
Other recommendations included reducing Nigeria’s reliance on Russian military equipment in favor of American systems, technical assistance for disarming militias, land reforms, and stronger counter-terrorism collaboration. The Congress also suggested sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals implicated in violence against Christians.
The report emphasizes that while Nigeria is a key US partner, stronger political will and domestic funding are needed to combat religious violence and secure vulnerable communities.