US Sets 18 Conditions for Nigeria's Removal from Country of Particular Concern Status
Nigeria continues to be designated as a "Country of Particular Concern" by the United States, with officials stating that 18 specific conditions must be met before this status can be revoked. The recommendations, disclosed by US Congressman Riley Moore on February 24, 2026, emphasize the protection of Christian communities, combating jihadist violence, and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Key Recommendations for Nigeria
The document outlines a comprehensive set of commitments that Nigeria is required to address. These include striking a bilateral agreement with the United States to safeguard vulnerable Christian communities from violent persecution, eliminate jihadist terror activities, and counter regional adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party and Russian Federation. This agreement should encompass several critical areas:
- Humanitarian Assistance: Co-funding donor-supported aid through faith-based organizations and prioritizing underserved Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host communities, particularly in the predominantly Christian Middle Belt region.
- Security Measures: Supporting early-warning mechanisms to prevent attacks and kidnappings, deploying sufficient security forces to the Middle Belt for rapid response, and holding accountable those who ignore warnings.
- Land Reform: Removing Fulani militias from confiscated farmland, enabling the voluntary return of displaced communities, and ensuring security and infrastructure to reduce humanitarian aid needs and boost agricultural productivity.
- Security Cooperation: Continuing and expanding collaboration with the United States, including divesting from Russian military equipment in favor of American alternatives through sales and financing.
Technical and Counter-Terrorism Support
The recommendations also call for technical support to Nigeria to reduce violence from armed Fulani militias. This involves developing demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration programs to address illicit weapons, supporting the Ministry of Livestock and land reform efforts, and enhancing the capabilities of security forces. Additionally, comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation is urged to eliminate Foreign Terrorist Organizations threatening the American homeland, with provisions for excess defense equipment and drawdown authorities.
Implementation and Accountability Measures
To enforce these recommendations, the document references the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026. Key priorities include increased accountability by requiring proof of progress before allocating additional funds, programs to address religious freedom and legal reforms, and strengthening Nigeria's financial system through Treasury Department initiatives. Other measures involve:
- U.S. Development Finance Corporation investments in Nigeria, especially in the Middle Belt.
- GAO audit reports on aid effectiveness and oversight recommendations.
- Invoking CPC Presidential Directives to publicly shame perpetrators of violence.
- Implementing sanctions on groups and individuals involved in violence against Christians.
- Continuing visa restrictions for perpetrators of Christian violence and religious freedom violations.
- Demanding the repeal of sharia codes and anti-blasphemy laws.
- Reviewing leverage points to compel Fulani herdsmen to disarm, including blocking beef exports to countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana.
- Ensuring adequate staffing of diplomatic posts in Nigeria.
- Improving the Foreign Military Sales process to expedite defense procurement.
- Requiring a National Intelligence Estimate on Nigeria's sectarian violence and reviewing classifications of Fulani militia groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
- Enlisting support from international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.
These conditions highlight the United States' focus on addressing religious persecution, enhancing security, and fostering economic cooperation as prerequisites for Nigeria's removal from the Country of Particular Concern list. The recommendations underscore the ongoing challenges in Nigeria's security landscape and the need for sustained bilateral efforts to achieve stability and protection for vulnerable communities.
