United States lawmakers have urged former President Donald Trump to prioritise development financing in Nigeria, particularly in the country’s troubled Middle Belt region.
The appeal was contained in a congressional report titled “Ending the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria”, released by the joint House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs and submitted to the White House on Monday.
According to the report, the recommendations followed extensive investigations, including expert interviews, hearings, roundtable discussions, on-the-ground assessments through bipartisan congressional delegations to Nigeria, and collaboration with the Trump administration.
The lawmakers specifically called for increased investments by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Nigeria, especially in north-central states that have long faced banditry, communal clashes, and attacks by armed groups.
Describing Nigeria as one of the most dangerous countries for Christians, the report cited repeated attacks on churches and schools, mass displacement of communities, and threats from militias and terrorist groups.
The legislators stressed that economic development, coupled with enhanced security cooperation, is crucial for stabilising affected communities. They also recommended stronger accountability measures before US funds are released, expanded counter-terrorism cooperation, and improved oversight of security assistance.
Other measures proposed included sanctions on individuals involved in religious violence, visa restrictions for perpetrators, and improved monitoring of terror financing networks.
While the report criticised Nigeria’s handling of insecurity, it acknowledged the country’s strategic importance to the United States and called for a “redefined partnership” to ensure both nations are “safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
Last October, Donald Trump had redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians, despite repeated denials from the Nigerian government.