The recent approval by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa signals a critical moment in the fight for religious freedom in Nigeria. The subcommittee has granted President Trump the authority to impose sanctions on Nigeria in response to the alarming and ongoing violence against Christian communities in the country.


During a congressional hearing on March 12, lawmakers voiced strong condemnation of the Nigerian government for its failure to safeguard Christians from escalating violence and persecution. The testimony presented to the committee included a since-released report from the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, which paints a grim picture of religiously motivated violence in Nigeria. According to the report, Nigerians account for a staggering 90 percent of all Christians killed globally each year.


Between October 2019 and September 2023, the report documented the harrowing figures: 55,910 individuals killed and 21,000 abducted by terrorist organizations operating in the region. Committee Chairman Chris Smith highlighted the urgent gravity of the situation, citing testimony from Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Diocese of Makurdi, who described the heinous acts committed by militant Fulani herdsmen—acts characterized by theft, vandalism, murder, and sexual violence. These perpetrators operate with impunity, often without any legal repercussions.


As Smith articulated during the hearing, “Make no mistake – these attacks are religiously motivated. Denying this reality contradicts the overwhelming evidence we have seen." He urged for an end to the “religious cleansing” and insisted that accountability for those responsible is paramount.


The subcommittee's report also pointed to the Nigerian government's failure to address this alarming trend of violence, despite the country’s constitutionally enshrined protections for religious freedom. Lawmakers expressed their concerns over how blasphemy laws have been weaponized to target Christians and suppress religious minorities, revealing a stark contradiction between Nigeria's legal framework and the harsh reality faced by its citizens.


Criticism was directed at the previous administration of President Biden, which had weakened U.S. pressure on Nigeria by removing it from the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list. Smith emphasized that this designation, initially applied during Trump’s first term, was crucial in holding Nigeria accountable for its human rights violations.


“The Biden administration ignored repeated recommendations from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, leading to a dangerous leniency towards Nigeria despite the worsening situation for religious minorities,” Smith stated.


He implored President Trump to take decisive action, including reestablishing Nigeria's CPC designation and initiating direct discussions with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to improve protections for Christian communities.


As the situation unfolds, the Congressional panel shows a firm commitment to addressing religious persecution in Nigeria. With ongoing discussions and proposed resolutions, there is hope for renewed action that supports those suffering and fosters an environment where religious freedom is honored and protected. Only time will tell if these efforts lead to significant changes in the fight against the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.