A New Push for Religious Freedom in Nigeria
A new resolution introduced in the United States Congress has sparked a significant debate over religious freedom in Nigeria. House Resolution 860 calls for sweeping sanctions on individuals and groups accused of perpetrating or supporting severe violations of religious freedom in the country. The bill highlights the ongoing persecution of religious minorities, particularly Christians and moderate Muslims, in Africa’s most populous nation.
The resolution commends former President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under U.S. law. This designation is based on systematic and ongoing persecution of religious minorities. Introduced by Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey and co-sponsored by Rep. Bill Huizenga, the resolution recommends visa bans, asset freezes, and other restrictive measures against those implicated in religiously motivated violence.
Targeting Specific Groups
Specifically, the bill names the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities responsible for such violations. It also urges that “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau States be placed on the Entities of Particular Concern (EPC) list under the International Religious Freedom Act. This category is reserved for non-state actors engaged in “particularly severe” religious persecution.
In its extensive preamble, the resolution accuses Islamic terror organizations and ethnic militias of committing atrocities, including mass killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of places of worship, largely targeting Christians and moderate Muslims. It cites reports from Open Doors and the Vatican, which claim that Nigeria accounted for nearly 89 per cent of Christians martyred globally in 2023 and that over 18,000 churches have been destroyed since 2009.
Criticism of Nigerian Government
The bill further laments that despite billions of dollars in U.S. foreign assistance, the Nigerian government has “failed to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of religiously motivated violence,” resulting in what it describes as a “culture of impunity.” It also criticizes the implementation of Sharia law in 12 northern states, which it says discriminates against religious minorities and dissenters. The resolution condemns the use of blasphemy laws to silence opposition.
Among its key provisions, the resolution directs the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky framework on individuals and organizations found to be complicit in religious persecution in Nigeria. It further mandates that U.S. humanitarian aid be provided directly to faith-based organizations assisting internally displaced persons, particularly in the Middle Belt region. The bill also calls for conditioning American foreign assistance to Nigeria on the government’s demonstrated commitment to protecting religious freedom, prosecuting offenders, and upholding constitutional rights.
Political Context and Reactions
The resolution came on the same day U.S. Senator Ted Cruz announced plans to hold Nigerian officials accountable over alleged persecution of Christians, vowing to “be very explicit” in naming those involved. In October, Cruz had sponsored the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which proposed sanctions on federal and state officials enforcing Nigeria’s blasphemy laws.
The Nigerian government has consistently rejected such allegations, insisting that religion is not the primary driver of insecurity in the country. If adopted, House Resolution 860 would mark one of the strongest congressional rebukes of Nigeria’s human rights record in recent years, further intensifying U.S. scrutiny of religious freedom conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Broader Implications
This resolution reflects a growing concern among U.S. lawmakers about the deteriorating religious freedom situation in Nigeria. It underscores the need for international attention and action to address the systemic issues that continue to plague the country. The resolution serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding religious freedoms and ensuring accountability for those who perpetrate violence and discrimination.
As the debate continues, the implications of this resolution could have far-reaching effects on U.S.-Nigeria relations and the broader global discourse on religious freedom. The call for sanctions and increased scrutiny signals a shift in how the international community approaches the issue of religious persecution, emphasizing the need for both political and practical solutions.