United States Congressman Bill Huizenga has called for targeted economic sanctions against Nigeria over what he described as the government’s failure to curb persistent attacks on Christians and other vulnerable groups.

Huizenga made the assertion in an exclusive interview with Arise News in Washington, D.C.

He criticised Nigeria’s handling of religiously motivated violence, urging the U.S. government to act decisively but avoid military intervention.

Huizenga, one of the lawmakers backing former President Donald Trump’s move to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), said he was “shocked” by Trump’s recent comments suggesting a possible US invasion.

However, he maintained that the growing reports of religious persecution and targeted killings demand urgent international attention.

“We were too late on Rwanda, we were too late on South Sudan. Let’s not be too late again on this one,” he warned while speaking at the Rayburn House Office Building.

The congressman said he had personally spoken with religious leaders and victims of attacks by Fulani militants and radicalised Islamist groups, adding that both Christians and moderate Muslims had been affected.

“I’ve heard firsthand accounts from people who were attacked in their homes and who feel very much targeted,” he said.

Reacting to Trump’s claim that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria, Huizenga clarified that he does not support military intervention.

“I don’t envision a surprise attack or a military response. Economic pressure and sanctions on individuals and organisations would be more effective. Sanctions cut off the flow of money and travel — and that’s where real impact happens,” he explained.

He accused the Nigerian government of downplaying the crisis and failing to protect its citizens.

“They need to demonstrate what they are doing to protect not just Christians but all Nigerians. Their response has been, ‘There’s really not a problem.’ Well, I think there is,” he stated.

Huizenga also warned that ongoing insecurity was hurting Nigeria’s economy and discouraging foreign investment.

“When you can’t guarantee the safety of workers or businesses, you have a problem. It’s in Nigeria’s best interest to address the root causes of this violence.”

The lawmaker revealed that his growing frustration with Nigeria’s leadership had led to the introduction of new resolutions in the US Congress aimed at holding the country accountable and preventing future atrocities. (TRIBUNE)