U.S. Congress Submits Explosive Report To White House, Demands Funding Cut To Nigeria Over Killing Of Christians In North

Washington,  United States– The United States Congress has formally submitted a report to the White House demanding the withholding of certain categories of U.S. funding to Nigeria for a demonstrable action by the Nigerian government to halt escalating violence against Christians, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

The report, presented during a high-level meeting at the White House, was led by U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore, alongside members of the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs.

The development follows President Donald Trump’s decision on October 31, 2025, to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom.

The CPC designation is reserved for countries accused of engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious liberty.

According to a press statement issued after the White House meeting, the report is the culmination of months of investigations initiated after President Trump tasked Congressman Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole with leading a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged persecution of Christian communities in Nigeria.

The probe reportedly included: “A bipartisan congressional fact-finding visit to Nigeria and hearings with expert witnesses on religious freedom and counterterrorism.”

Lawmakers said their findings revealed what they described as a deeply troubling pattern of insecurity, extremist violence, and systemic failures affecting Christian communities, especially across northern states.

The report outlines a series of far-reaching recommendations aimed at addressing violence and strengthening accountability.

Among the key proposals are: “Establishment of a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement focused on protecting vulnerable Christian communities and dismantling jihadist networks.

“Withholding certain categories of U.S. funding until Nigeria takes “demonstrable action” to halt violence against Christians.

“Imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals and groups found responsible for or complicit in religious persecution.

“Providing technical assistance to Nigerian authorities to address violence attributed to armed Fulani militias.

“Demanding the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws operating in Northern Nigeria.

“Coordinating diplomatic pressure with international partners including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.

“The call for the abolition of Sharia and blasphemy laws is expected to spark intense constitutional and political debate within Nigeria, where several northern states operate Sharia-based legal systems alongside the country’s secular constitutional framework.’

Speaking after the White House meeting, Congressman Moore commended President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a CPC and for prioritizing religious freedom.

“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 stressed that the delegation ensured the report reflected realities on the ground.

“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,” he stated.

“Through congressional hearings, expert testimony, meetings with internally displaced people, and engagements with high-level Nigerian government officials, we have provided a clear picture of the threat environment in Nigeria.”

Moore added that the report provides what he described as “concrete steps” to impose accountability, counter radical Islamic terrorism, and strengthen U.S.–Nigeria cooperation.

“Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for too long. The world is now watching,” he declared, urging Nigerian authorities to deepen bilateral relations with Washington and take decisive measures to address insecurity.

Other lawmakers involved in the investigation include House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Mario Diaz-Balart, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, and Congressman Chris Smith, all acknowledged for their roles in compiling and submitting the report.

The move signals increasing bipartisan concern in Washington over security and religious freedom conditions in Nigeria — Africa’s most populous nation and one of the United States’ key strategic partners on the continent.

Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, including insurgency by extremist groups, banditry, farmer-herder clashes, and communal violence.

While Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected claims of state-sponsored religious persecution, they acknowledge the severity and multifaceted nature of the country’s insecurity.

The CPC designation carries significant diplomatic weight and can trigger policy consequences, including sanctions or restrictions on certain forms of U.S. assistance.

However, waivers are sometimes granted based on broader strategic interests.

The demand for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws presents substantial constitutional hurdles. Legal analysts note that altering state-level legal systems would require extensive legislative processes and political consensus, particularly in Northern Nigeria where religious and legal pluralism remains deeply sensitive and entrenched.