Aderholt Joins Appropriators, Foreign Affairs Leaders to Investigate Escalating Religious Persecution in Nigeria
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee and Chair of the Values Action Team (VAT), joined House Appropriations Vice Chair and National Security Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) and Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV) in leading a joint briefing with the House Foreign Affairs Committee to examine the worsening violence and targeted persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria.
Congressman Aderholt said, “The rising violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a crisis that can’t be ignored. Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked to protect the most vulnerable, including those whose lives and liberties are threatened simply because of their faith. We must stand firmly with Nigeria’s Christian communities and all persecuted believers worldwide, and I commend our collaborative efforts to provide the President with the information needed to confront this growing tragedy.”
This roundtable follows President Donald J. Trump’s October 31 directive to the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria and report findings to the White House.
Joint Briefing Includes Congressional and Expert Participants
Participants in the briefing included:
- Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee Chairman
- Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman and Values Action Team (VAT) Chair
- Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee Vice Chair and leading religious liberty advocate
- Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Committee
- Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee
- Hon. Vicky Hartzler, Chair, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
- Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, Alliance Defending Freedom International
- Dr. Ebenezer Obadare, Council on Foreign Relations
Focus on the Scale and Nature of Violence
Members and witnesses emphasized that religiously motivated attacks—including kidnappings, mass killings, and displacement—have intensified across Nigeria, with Christian communities bearing the brunt of the violence in many regions. Expert testimony underscored the role of extremist terror groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and radicalized militant factions that seek to drive believers from their homes and suppress religious freedom.
Expert Testimony Highlights Urgent Need for Action
Witnesses offered on-the-ground perspectives and policy recommendations for Congress and the Administration, including:
- Strengthening U.S. diplomatic pressure on Nigerian authorities to protect vulnerable communities
- Leveraging U.S. security assistance for accountability, police reform, and early-warning systems
- Supporting efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent further religious cleansing
Several witnesses cited recent mass abductions and assaults on churches and religious schools to illustrate the immediate threat facing families of faith in Nigeria today.
Continued Oversight and Next Steps
Congressman Aderholt reaffirmed his commitment to protecting religious liberty worldwide and supporting persecuted believers through U.S. foreign policy and appropriations work. The House Appropriations Committee will continue investigating the violence in Nigeria pursuant to President Trump’s directive and is preparing a comprehensive report to provide the Administration with actionable recommendations.
“As we move forward,” Aderholt added, “Congress must ensure America remains a beacon for religious freedom and a defender of those who are targeted simply for worshipping God.”
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