U.S. Lawmaker Urges Action on Nigeria, Calls for Repeal of  Blasphemy and Sharia Laws

A member of the United States Congress has presented a detailed report to the White House urging decisive action to address what he and others describe as ongoing violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. The report was developed after months of investigation, including visits to Nigeria, consultations with religious leaders, meetings with displaced persons, and discussions with government officials.

In the document, the lawmaker recommended several measures, including the negotiation of a bilateral security pact between the U.S. and Nigeria to help protect vulnerable populations and dismantle extremist networks. He also suggested withholding certain U.S. assistance until clear progress is made in stopping violence against Christians.

Another major recommendation is the implementation of sanctions and visa restrictions against individuals and groups believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, attacks tied to religious persecution. Additionally, the report calls for the removal of Sharia-based criminal codes and blasphemy laws, which are seen as contributing to discrimination against religious minorities.

The lawmaker emphasised that protecting religious freedom must be a central part of U.S.–Nigeria cooperation and encouraged the Nigerian government to engage constructively on these issues.