US lawmakers hold briefing on alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria

The United States House Appropriations Committee is holding a joint congressional briefing today, Tuesday, December 2, to address allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.

According to a notice shared on X by US Congressman Riley Moore, the briefing will be led by House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and National Security Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart, along with members of the Foreign Affairs and Financial Services Committees.

Representatives from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and other experts will also participate.

Moore stated that the briefing aims “to spotlight the escalating violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria.”

He added that the roundtable would gather testimony for a comprehensive report requested by President Donald Trump on the alleged massacre of Nigerian Christians and potential congressional measures to support the White House’s efforts to protect vulnerable faith communities.

“As part of this investigation, the committee is hosting a roundtable to continue building on the work we’ve done so far.

“We will never turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer for their faith,” Moore said.

The briefing coincides with US efforts to deepen security cooperation with Nigeria amid reports of targeted attacks on Christians.

President Bola Tinubu recently approved Nigeria’s delegation to the new US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, launched to implement commitments from high-level talks in Washington.

The group, comprising top ministers and security officials, is tasked with strengthening counterterrorism operations, improving intelligence sharing, bolstering border security, and enhancing humanitarian and civilian protection coordination.

President Trump added Nigeria to a watchlist for Christian genocide on October 31, citing alleged violations of religious freedom, including the persecution of Christians.

He warned that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria, with thousands reportedly killed by radical Islamist groups, and suggested that the US could take action, including possible military intervention, if the Nigerian government does not address the issue.

Nigeria was initially designated a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under Trump in 2020, but the designation was removed by President Joe Biden after he assumed office.