U.S., Nigeria Move Toward Joint Mechanism on Christian-Persecution Claims, Says State Department Official

The United States and Nigeria are taking steps toward establishing a joint working mechanism to address rising allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria, a senior U.S. State Department official has disclosed.

Speaking during a congressional hearing on religious freedom and security challenges in Nigeria, Jonathan Pratt, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs, told lawmakers that Washington is developing an engagement framework with Abuja aimed at improving cooperation, information-sharing, and accountability relating to attacks on religious communities.

Pratt explained that the initiative would form part of a broader U.S. strategy following Nigeria’s recent designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act.

He said the U.S. is exploring a mixture of diplomatic, economic, and security tools to support Nigeria, including sanctions, expanded dialogue, and structured partnerships that could help track and respond to allegations of targeted violence.

While social-media reports described the plan as a “task force,” Pratt clarified that discussions are ongoing and the structure is still being finalized. However, he emphasized that the United States wants a formal channel of cooperation that ensures credible oversight, government commitment, and regular reporting on incidents affecting religious communities.

The development comes amid intensified international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation. Advocacy groups and some U.S. lawmakers argue that Christians in several regions face rising attacks from extremist groups and armed militias.

Nigerian officials strongly dispute claims of systematic or state-backed persecution, insisting that the violence stems from terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than religious targeting.

Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar recently reiterated that religious persecution is “impossible under the Nigerian constitution,” warning that external actors risk misconstruing the country’s complex, multi-layered insecurity.

Despite differing narratives, both governments appear aligned on the need for more structured engagement. Diplomatic analysts say a joint mechanism—whether formalized as a task force or a working group—could help ease tensions between Washington and Abuja, particularly as U.S. lawmakers continue to consider sanctions and expanded oversight on Nigeria’s human-rights record.

More details on the proposed mechanism are expected after consultations between the State Department and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the coming weeks.