U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore has called for sanctions and the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws in Nigeria as part of a broader strategy to address ongoing violence against Christian communities in the country.
This proposal was outlined in a report Moore submitted to the White House and later shared on his official X handle on Tuesday, the 24th of February, 2026.
The report, which Moore described as the outcome of extensive investigations, includes recommendations aimed at ending Christian persecution and countering extremist violence. Moore’s process involved a bipartisan fact-finding mission to Nigeria, consultations with expert witnesses, religious leaders, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and discussions with Nigerian government officials.
“Today’s productive meeting at the White House was a significant step forward,” Moore said. “I want to thank President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and reaffirming his Administration’s dedication to defending Christians from persecution.” Moore continued, “I traveled with a bipartisan delegation to Nigeria and witnessed the horrific violence Christians face and the instability confronting the Nigerian government.”
On the 31st of October, 2025, Nigeria was redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a decision that led Moore, along with Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to spearhead a detailed congressional investigation into the situation.
The report suggests establishing a U.S.-Nigeria security agreement to safeguard vulnerable Christian communities and dismantle jihadist networks. It also advocates for withholding certain U.S. funds until Nigeria takes meaningful steps to curb violence against Christians.
Moore called for sanctions and visa restrictions targeting individuals and groups complicit in or responsible for religious persecution. Further recommendations include providing technical assistance to the Nigerian government in addressing violence linked to armed Fulani militias.
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Moore’s report also stresses the importance of repealing Sharia and blasphemy laws, which he argues fuel religious discrimination. Additionally, he emphasized the need for international cooperation with partners like France, Hungary, and the UK to tackle Nigeria’s security issues.
Through congressional hearings and engagements with various stakeholders, Moore’s team has painted a clear picture of the security threat in Nigeria and the severe persecution faced by Christians. “Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered in silence for far too long. The world is watching,” he stated.
The report also urges Nigeria to strengthen its relationship with the United States to address the security challenges at hand, noting that such collaboration is crucial for the well-being of both nations. “Together, we must confront these urgent security threats and work to end the violence against Christians,” Moore concluded.
On the 7th of December, the congressional delegation held a meeting in Abuja with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss sustainable solutions to the ongoing killings of Christians by extremist groups.