The United States Congress has formally recommended blocking beef exports from Nigeria to Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal as part of a strategy to pressure Fulani herdsmen to disarm following years of violent attacks on Christian communities.
The recommendation is contained in a comprehensive report titled “Ending the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” submitted to the White House by the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs after President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in October 2025. Lawmakers argue that restricting beef exports will serve as leverage to compel armed Fulani militias and jihadist groups to halt their campaigns of violence.
The report, led by Congressman Riley Moore following a bipartisan fact-finding mission to Nigeria, describes the country as “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” citing tens of thousands killed, churches destroyed, and widespread kidnappings.
Other recommendations include establishing a bilateral U.S.–Nigeria security agreement, withholding certain funds pending Nigerian government action, imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on perpetrators, demanding the repeal of Sharia and blasphemy laws, and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on Russian military equipment in favour of American systems.
The Nigerian government has previously rejected claims of systematic persecution, setting the stage for potential diplomatic tensions with Washington.