Amanze Chinonye
The United States Congress has thrown its weight behind President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom violations, rolling out a sweeping set of recommendations aimed at ending violence against Christians.
The move followed coordinated actions by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, including investigative hearings, a congressional delegation visit to Nigeria, and consultations with government and civil society stakeholders.
Lawmakers said their findings point to persistent sectarian violence, including attacks by armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, resulting in thousands of deaths, destruction of churches and schools, and mass displacement. They also criticised the enforcement of blasphemy laws in some northern states, alleging that such provisions are used to target religious minorities and suppress dissent without due process.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAppropriations Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart led a fact-finding delegation to Nigeria, while House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Africa Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith convened hearings to gather evidence.
Lawmakers described the redesignation as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to address what they termed a two-decade crisis, while acknowledging Nigeria’s role as a strategic U.S. partner in Africa.
Proposed Bilateral Pact and Security Overhaul
At the centre of Congress’ recommendations is a proposed bilateral agreement between Washington and Abuja focused on protecting vulnerable Christian communities, combating jihadist violence and deepening economic cooperation.
Under the framework, Nigeria would co-fund humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in the Middle Belt, deploy adequate security forces to respond swiftly to early warning signs of attacks, and facilitate the return of displaced communities to confiscated farmlands.
The report also calls for expanded U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation, including transitioning from Russian to American military equipment, implementing demobilisation and disarmament programmes, and strengthening recruitment and technical capacity within Nigerian security forces.
Sanctions, Oversight and Diplomatic Pressure
Congress further recommended invoking CPC presidential directives to publicly identify perpetrators of violence, imposing sanctions on individuals and groups linked to attacks on Christians, and maintaining visa restrictions for those accused of religious freedom violations.
Other proposals include demanding the repeal of Sharia-based criminal codes and anti-blasphemy laws deemed discriminatory, commissioning a National Intelligence Estimate on Nigeria’s sectarian violence, and reviewing whether certain armed groups should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
Lawmakers also pushed for tighter oversight of U.S. assistance to Nigeria, including a Government Accountability Office audit, stricter accountability benchmarks before releasing additional funds, and expanded counter-terrorism financing and anti-money laundering measures.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to the congressional recommendations.
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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
