The United States Congress has authorized President Donald Trump to impose strict sanctions on Nigeria in response to reports that Nigerians constitute 90 percent of Christians killed globally each year.
Chris Smith, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, announced the decision following a congressional hearing on Christian persecution in Nigeria.
During the session, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi testified, describing militant Fulani herdsmen as terrorists who operate with impunity. Smith criticized the Nigerian government for failing to protect Christian communities, citing a report from the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa. The report documented over 55,000 deaths and 21,000 abductions linked to religious violence between 2019 and 2023.
He also faulted the previous Biden administration for removing Nigeria from the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list—a designation originally imposed by Trump.
Calling for urgent action, Smith reintroduced a resolution advocating for Nigeria’s reinstatement on the CPC list and potential sanctions if religious violence persists. He emphasized the need for intervention to halt what he termed “religious cleansing” and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
“This hearing should be a catalyst for action,” Smith stated, asserting that sanctions have historically driven change. He expressed confidence that Trump would take decisive measures, including direct engagement with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, to address the crisis.
