A joint report by the United States House of Representatives’ Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs has recommended that the U.S. government block beef and other cattle‑related exports from Nigeria as part of a strategy to pressure Fulani herdsmen to disarm and reduce violence, according to legislative proposals submitted to the White House on Tuesday.

The recommendations were contained in a comprehensive report titled “Ending the Persecution of Christians in Nigeria” which was formally presented to President Donald Trump. The report says the export restrictions are meant to use economic leverage over the cattle trade to compel armed herders and militia networks to give up arms amid years of escalating attacks on communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and other regions.

As part of a series of proposed measures, the report also urges the continuation of visa sanctions on individuals accused of violence against Christians and advocates broader economic and security cooperation between the U.S. and Nigerian governments. It calls for a bilateral agreement to protect vulnerable communities, eliminate extremist terror activity and strengthen legal frameworks to uphold religious freedom and human rights.

The committees’ recommendation to halt beef exports and cattle‑related trade would affect shipments from Nigeria to key markets in West and Southern Africa including Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa and Senegal, where Nigerian beef currently finds commercial buyers. The strategy is intended to reduce financial incentives for pastoralist groups while encouraging disarmament and peace‑building initiatives.

U.S. lawmakers framing the report said Congress had gathered evidence through hearings expert interviews and fact‑finding missions that documented violence attributed to well‑armed militia groups including Fulani herders against farmers and religious communities. They described the situation as a severe human rights and security issue that requires coordinated international response and diplomatic pressure.

The recommendations now await consideration by the Trump administration and could influence future U.S. policy toward Nigeria if adopted. They add to ongoing tension between U.S. legislators and the Government of Nigeria about how best to address insecurity and religious violence while fostering cooperation between the two countries.