The United States Congress has called for a broad bilateral agreement between the United States and Nigeria aimed at addressing religious violence, strengthening security cooperation and limiting Chinese and Russian influence in the West African nation.

The recommendation followed a joint position adopted by the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Congressman Riley Moore disclosed the development on Tuesday via a post on X.

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) over religious freedom concerns. The designation places Nigeria on a watchlist maintained by the United States Department of State for countries accused of severe violations of religious liberty.

Nigeria was first placed on the CPC list in 2020 under Trump’s administration but was later removed after former President Joe Biden assumed office. In October 2026, the US government reinstated Nigeria’s CPC status for the second time.

Earlier in February, members of Congress also proposed visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups accused of religious persecution. Those mentioned included former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

According to the statement, President Trump tasked Rep. Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole with leading an investigation into reported attacks on Christian communities.

Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart hosted an investigative roundtable and led a delegation to Nigeria, while House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Africa Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith convened hearings in Washington.

Following the engagements, lawmakers described Nigeria as one of the most dangerous places globally for Christians, citing repeated attacks by armed groups, destruction of places of worship, kidnappings and communal violence, particularly in parts of the Middle Belt.

They also criticised the use of blasphemy and Sharia-based criminal laws in some northern states, arguing that such laws have been used to target religious minorities.

Central to the congressional recommendations is a proposed security and economic pact between the two countries. Lawmakers urged President Trump to negotiate an agreement that would focus on protecting vulnerable communities, dismantling jihadist networks, expanding economic cooperation and countering foreign adversaries in the region.

Under the proposal, Nigeria would commit to co-funding humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons, improving early-warning systems against attacks, deploying adequate security forces and facilitating the return of displaced communities to their ancestral lands.

The committees also recommended expanded military cooperation, including shifting away from Russian defence systems in favour of American equipment, strengthening counter-terrorism collaboration and providing technical support for disarmament and reintegration programmes.

Additional measures outlined include sanctions against individuals accused of participating in or tolerating violence, continued visa restrictions, a review of trade leverage, and an audit by the Government Accountability Office to assess the effectiveness of US aid to Nigeria.

Lawmakers said Nigeria’s redesignation as a CPC presents an opportunity to redefine relations between both countries and pursue what they described as lasting reforms.

The Nigerian government has not yet formally responded to the latest congressional recommendations.