A United States congressional panel has recommended economic sanction and other punitive measures against Nigeria over what it described as the persistent persecution of Christian communities and escalating extremist violence in parts of the country.

The recommendations are contained in a comprehensive report submitted to Donald Trump by members of the United States House Committee on Appropriations and the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The investigation was led by Congressman Riley Moore, following President Trump’s earlier redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and a directive for a detailed congressional probe into alleged religious persecution and worsening insecurity.

According to the report, the panel is urging the US government to withhold certain categories of funding to Nigeria pending demonstrable action by the Nigerian authorities to halt attacks on Christian communities.

It also recommends targeted economic sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals and groups identified as responsible for or complicit in religious persecution.

In addition to sanctions, the report proposes the establishment of a bilateral US–Nigeria security agreement aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling jihadist networks operating within the country.

It further calls for technical assistance to address violence linked to armed Fulani militias.

The congressional delegation’s findings were based on expert testimonies, hearings, consultations with religious leaders and two bipartisan fact-finding visits to Nigeria.

During the visits, US lawmakers toured Internally Displaced Persons camps in Benue State and met with senior Nigerian officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The report also advocates for the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws and recommends that the United States coordinate its response with international partners such as France, Hungary and the United Kingdom.

Moore said the panel now has what he described as a clear understanding of the threats facing Christian communities and stressed that accountability measures are necessary to curb extremist violence.

While emphasising cooperation, the panel maintained that measurable progress by the Nigerian government would determine the extent of US engagement and financial support going forward. (TRIBUNE)