The United States Congress has called for a comprehensive bilateral agreement between Washington and Abuja aimed at protecting vulnerable Christian communities, dismantling jihadist terror networks, and countering Chinese and Russian influence in Nigeria.

The recommendation followed a joint decision by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, shared by Congressman Riley Moore. In a statement titled “Ending the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” lawmakers commended President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), describing the move as decisive.

In October 2026, the US Department of State added Nigeria to its CPC list for the second time, citing concerns over religious freedom violations. Nigeria was first designated in 2020 under President Trump, then removed from the list by former President Joe Biden.

Congressional investigations, including hearings and a delegation visit to Nigeria, concluded with strong criticisms over alleged attacks on Christian communities, destruction of property, kidnappings, and the application of blasphemy laws in some northern states.

Lawmakers proposed that a bilateral pact should include enhanced security cooperation, intelligence sharing, humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons in the Middle Belt, early-warning mechanisms against attacks, and stronger action against armed militias. They also recommended divestment from Russian military equipment in favour of US defence systems and deeper counter-terrorism collaboration.

The committees further called for visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups accused of religious persecution, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

Additional measures outlined include sanctions against perpetrators, review of trade leverage, expanded defence cooperation, audits of US aid effectiveness, and engagement with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.

Lawmakers described Nigeria’s redesignation as a CPC as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to redefine US–Nigeria relations around religious freedom, security cooperation, and regional stability.