US Congress Issues Detailed Demands for Nigeria's Removal from Religious Persecution Blacklist
In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has formally presented Nigeria with a comprehensive set of 18 specific recommendations that must be fully implemented before the West African nation can be removed from the controversial "Country of Particular Concern" designation. This designation, which carries substantial international implications, has been a point of contention between the two nations for several years.
Congressional Report Details Extensive Requirements
US Congressman Riley Moore, serving on the influential appropriation committee, revealed on February 24, 2026 that the detailed document outlines precise measures directly linked to ongoing concerns about Christian persecution within Nigeria's borders. The recommendations represent one of the most explicit sets of conditions ever presented by the United States to Nigeria regarding religious freedom issues.
The comprehensive document calls for enhanced bilateral cooperation between Washington and Abuja, with particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable Christian communities from violent persecution and eliminating jihadist terror activities across the region. Additionally, the recommendations stress the importance of expanding economic cooperation while simultaneously countering adversarial influences from global powers.
Security Cooperation and Military Equipment Transition
Among the most significant requirements is Nigeria's continued and expanded security cooperation with the United States, including a strategic shift in military procurement. The document explicitly calls for Nigeria to divest from Russian military equipment in favor of American alternatives, facilitated through specialized sales and financing arrangements designed to strengthen defense ties between the two nations.
This military equipment transition represents a substantial geopolitical realignment that would significantly impact Nigeria's existing defense partnerships and procurement strategies, potentially altering the balance of influence in West African security arrangements.
Countering Foreign Exploitation and Regional Destabilization
The congressional committee's document expresses particular concern about Chinese illegal mining operations within Nigeria, alleging that these activities contribute directly to regional destabilization. According to the report, these operations allegedly provide protection payments to Fulani militias, creating security challenges that extend beyond Nigeria's borders.
Nigeria is urged to implement robust measures to counteract what the United States characterizes as "hostile foreign exploitation" that undermines both national sovereignty and regional stability. This recommendation reflects growing American apprehension about Chinese economic and strategic influence across the African continent.
Addressing Fulani Militia Activity Through Economic Leverage
Another critical recommendation focuses specifically on Fulani herdsmen activities, advising Nigeria to review and utilize strategic points of economic leverage to compel disarmament. The document suggests implementing export restrictions on beef and other cattle-related products to specific African nations as a means of applying pressure on militia groups.
The targeted countries mentioned in this economic pressure strategy include:
- Ivory Coast
- Ghana
- South Africa
- Senegal
This approach represents a novel application of trade policy as a security tool, potentially affecting Nigeria's agricultural exports and regional economic relationships with neighboring African states.
Broader Geopolitical Implications and Regional Relationships
The United States recommendations explicitly mention six countries in total within the CPC document, highlighting the interconnected nature of regional security and economic dynamics. Beyond the four nations targeted for potential export restrictions, the document also references Russia and China as adversarial influences that Nigeria must counter through its policies and international alignments.
This comprehensive set of demands places Nigeria at a critical diplomatic crossroads, requiring careful navigation of complex relationships with multiple global powers while addressing domestic security challenges and religious freedom concerns. The implementation of these recommendations would necessitate substantial policy adjustments across multiple Nigerian government agencies and could reshape the nation's international partnerships for years to come.
The Nigerian government now faces the challenging task of responding to these detailed American requirements while balancing domestic priorities, regional relationships, and its strategic autonomy in an increasingly multipolar world. The outcome of this diplomatic engagement will likely have significant implications for Nigeria's international standing, religious freedom record, and security partnerships across multiple continents.
