The United States Congress has intensified its investigation into allegations of religious persecution against Christians in Nigeria. On November 21, 2025, lawmakers convened to discuss concerns over the targeting of Christians in violence that has plagued the West African nation. This hearing follows a directive from President Donald Trump issued on October 31, 2025, mandating the House Appropriations Committee to examine the “slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria and report back with findings.
Prominent lawmakers participated in the roundtable discussion, including Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, and Robert Aderholt (R-AL), who chairs the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee. Other attendees included subcommittee chairs Riley Moore (R-WV), Chris Smith (R-NJ), and Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom.
In his opening remarks, Díaz-Balart emphasized the importance of defending religious liberty globally. He stated, “No one should live in fear because of how they worship,” reinforcing the notion that protecting the freedom to practice one’s faith is a vital American interest. He pledged to advance policies that safeguard this freedom, particularly in the context of U.S. national security interests.
Aderholt described the increasing violence and “targeted persecution” faced by Christians in Nigeria as a crisis that demands urgent attention. He highlighted his commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, stating, “We must stand firmly with Nigeria’s Christian communities and all persecuted believers worldwide.”
During the session, Congressman Riley Moore asserted that Christians face persecution and violence in Nigeria solely for their faith, a sentiment echoed by other participants. He noted the significance of President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, which underscores the urgency of the situation.
Chris Smith articulated the grim reality for Christians and moderate Muslims in Nigeria, who live under the constant threat of violence from radical Islamist groups, including Boko Haram and Fulani militants. He described Nigeria as “the ground zero of religious violence,” stating that the Nigerian government has failed in its constitutional obligation to protect its citizens from such threats.
The hearing featured expert testimonies that shed light on the ongoing conflict and the challenges faced by religious communities in Nigeria. Vicky Hartzler pointed out that religious freedom in Nigeria has been severely compromised in recent years, citing specific incidents of violence, including the abduction of 303 children and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School in Niger State just days prior to the hearing.
The experts highlighted a pattern of violence affecting both Christians and Muslims. Hartzler noted that on August 22, over 100 individuals were abducted from a mosque in Zamfara State, with 27 worshippers killed in a separate attack in Katsina State. She stressed that regardless of religious affiliation, all acts of violence must be condemned and that the Nigerian government must take decisive measures to prevent further atrocities.
The conversation also addressed the systemic issues contributing to the crisis. Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom at the Alliance Defending Freedom International, shared firsthand accounts of Christians enduring violence and persecution in Nigeria. He reported cases of unjust imprisonment, forced marriages, and torture, often with minimal government intervention.
Nelson criticized the Nigerian government for its insufficient response to attacks on Christian communities, underscoring the need for greater accountability and resources in the areas most affected by violence. He pointed out the challenges posed by draconian blasphemy laws in northern states, where individuals can face severe penalties for supposedly offending Islamic beliefs.
Speaking on the root causes of the violence, Ebenezer Obadare, a Senior Fellow for Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, identified jihadist terror groups, particularly Boko Haram, as the primary threat to Nigeria’s stability. He emphasized that any strategy to address the crisis must prioritize the degradation and elimination of Boko Haram as a militant force.
As the session concluded, the House Appropriations Committee reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Trump administration to combat religious persecution globally. Lawmakers are currently preparing a comprehensive report to present to President Trump, detailing proposed actions that Congress can take to support the White House’s efforts.
The ongoing discussions highlight the critical need for international attention and action regarding the alarming situation facing religious communities in Nigeria. As the inquiry progresses, the focus remains on ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the protection and support they urgently require.
