U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore has called for sanctions and the repeal of blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria as part of recommendations aimed at addressing violence against Christian communities.
Moore disclosed this in a report presented to the White House and later shared on his official X account, following what he described as months of investigation into religious persecution and extremist violence in Nigeria.
According to him, the inquiry included a bipartisan congressional visit to Nigeria, hearings with expert witnesses, consultations with religious leaders, meetings with internally displaced persons, and discussions with senior Nigerian officials.
“Following today’s productive meeting at the White House, I want to thank President Donald 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,” Moore said. He added that he witnessed firsthand what he described as atrocities against Christians during the delegation’s visit.
Nigeria was redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) on October 31, 2025. Moore said the move led to his appointment, alongside Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to lead a congressional review of the situation.
The report recommends a bilateral U.S.-Nigeria security agreement focused on protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling jihadist networks. It also proposes withholding certain U.S. funds until Nigeria demonstrates measurable progress in curbing violence.
Moore further called for sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals or groups allegedly responsible for religious persecution, as well as technical support to help Nigerian authorities address violence linked to armed groups.
The document urges the repeal of blasphemy and Sharia laws, which Moore argued contribute to religious discrimination, and recommends closer collaboration with international partners, including France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.
The delegation previously met in Abuja with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on December 7 to discuss security concerns. The report concludes by urging deeper U.S.-Nigeria cooperation to address the crisis and end violence against Christian communities.
