US Lawmakers Introduce Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act 2026, Targeting Persecution of Christians
Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.
Two United States lawmakers have introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, a proposed bill aimed at addressing the ongoing persecution of Christians and other religious communities in Nigeria. The legislation, sponsored by Republican congressmen Chris Smith and Andy Ogles, seeks to impose stricter accountability measures on individuals and groups responsible for religiously motivated violence in Nigeria. The bill also calls for increased U.S. oversight of religious freedom conditions in Africa’s most populous nation. In a joint statement announcing the bill, the lawmakers described the killings and attacks on Christian communities in parts of Nigeria as “brutal persecution,” pledging to confront what they termed extremist violence targeting believers. “This legislation will hold radical Islamic terrorists accountable for murdering Christians for their faith in Jesus Christ,” one of the sponsors said, emphasizing a commitment to defending persecuted religious minorities globally. Context: Nigeria’s Complex Security Crisis Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges for over a decade, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions. Armed groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province, have carried out attacks on churches, mosques, schools, and rural communities. Beyond insurgency in the North-East, violent clashes involving armed groups and farming communities in the Middle Belt have also resulted in significant casualties. While many incidents have religious undertones, security analysts and Nigerian authorities often describe the broader conflict as rooted in a mix of terrorism, banditry, communal tensions, land disputes, and weak state presence. The U.S. government previously designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations under the International Religious Freedom Act during the administration of former President Donald Trump. However, that designation was later reversed under President Joe Biden, a move that drew criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups.What the Bill Proposes although the full legislative text is still under review, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 is expected to:Mandate enhanced U.S. reporting on religious persecution in Nigeria. Impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities found responsible for severe violations of religious freedom. Strengthen cooperation between the U.S. government and Nigerian authorities to address extremist violence.Provide additional support for victims of religious persecution.The bill’s sponsors argue that stronger U.S. action is necessary to deter impunity and protect vulnerable communities. However, some foreign policy experts caution that unilateral sanctions could complicate diplomatic relations between Washington and Abuja, particularly given Nigeria’s strategic role in regional security and counterterrorism efforts. Nigerian Government Position the Nigerian government has consistently maintained that the country’s security crisis is multifaceted and not solely a religious conflict. Officials have argued that terrorism and criminality affect both Christians and Muslims, with thousands of civilians from diverse backgrounds killed or displaced. Security operations against insurgent groups have intensified in recent years, though attacks continue in several regions. Abuja has also sought international partnerships to strengthen counterterrorism capabilities. International Reaction and Media Coverage major international outlets including Reuters, BBC News, and The Wall Street Journal have previously reported on religious violence in Nigeria and debates in Washington over how to respond to it. Advocacy organizations such as Open Doors and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom have also raised concerns about escalating attacks on Christian communities.The introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 signals renewed attention in the U.S. Congress to religious freedom conditions in West Africa. Whether the bill advances through committee and secures bipartisan backing remains to be seen.For Nigeria, the debate underscores the global spotlight on its internal security challenges and the growing intersection between domestic conflict and international human rights diplomacy. Sources: Reuters; BBC News; The Wall Street Journal; United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF); Open Doors.
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