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US Congress members introduce Nigeria Religious Freedom Bill
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Visa bans and asset freezes proposed under Global Magnitsky sanctions
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Bill targets individuals, groups over alleged religious freedom violations
Five members of the United States Congress have introduced a bill that could pave the way for visa restrictions and asset freezes against former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and other individuals or groups over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga.
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If passed into law, the bill would require the US Secretary of State to submit periodic reports to Congress on Nigeria’s record in protecting religious freedom and measures taken to safeguard vulnerable communities.
The legislation also directs US authorities to consider sanctions, security cooperation plans, and humanitarian interventions aimed at addressing violence linked to religious persecution.
The sponsors referenced data indicating that between 2009 and 2025, an estimated 50,000 to 125,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria, while more than 19,000 churches were reportedly destroyed.
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They cited incidents including attacks in Yelwata, the Christmas Eve attacks of 2023 and 2024, as well as Holy Week and Easter attacks of 2024 and 2025, which they claim resulted in over 9,500 deaths and displaced more than 500,000 people.
According to the lawmakers, a 2026 global watch list states that Nigeria accounts for 72 per cent of Christians killed worldwide.
Under the bill, the US Secretary of State would assess whether certain Fulani ethnic militias should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs).
The US Departments of State and Treasury would also be expected to apply Global Magnitsky sanctions on individuals or groups found responsible for serious violations of religious freedom.
Such sanctions may include visa bans and freezing of assets under US jurisdiction.
The bill further referenced cases such as Rhoda Jatau and Deborah Yakubu, highlighting concerns about mob violence, detention, and accountability gaps.
The lawmakers argued that future US–Nigeria relations could be influenced by how Nigerian authorities respond to allegations of religious violence.
The legislation also recommends expanded humanitarian assistance to affected communities, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, and calls for collaboration with countries such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom to support peace and religious freedom initiatives.
While the bill has been introduced, it must pass through legislative processes in the US Congress before becoming law.