U.S. lawmakers have introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457), aiming to address religious persecution and mass atrocities against Christians in Nigeria.
Sponsored by Representatives Riley Moore (R-WV) and Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, along with other key members from the Appropriations and Foreign Affairs Committees, the bill requires the U.S. Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress detailing U.S. efforts to combat these issues.
The legislation calls for a comprehensive review of how the Nigerian government respects religious freedom and protects vulnerable communities, particularly Christians.
It also urges consideration of designating Fulani ethnic militias as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) due to their alleged involvement in violent acts.
The bill proposes sanctions on entities like Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and former Kano Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, amid accusations of contributing to the violence.
This initiative builds on President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom violations, emphasizing the need for stronger U.S. action.
“The bill proposes sanctions on entities like the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, amid ongoing US military deployments to Nigeria against Boko Haram and banditry.”
The bill highlights ongoing threats, including attacks on Christian communities, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements in recent years.
Lawmakers like Moore have stressed that the U.S., as a Christian nation, must stand with persecuted Christians globally, noting non-combative cooperation with Nigeria through special forces and security agreements.
The legislation seeks to condition U.S. security assistance on Nigeria’s progress in addressing these atrocities.
The bill has garnered support from advocates for religious freedom, who see it as a step toward accountability. However, it may face challenges in implementation, as Nigeria has rejected similar designations in the past.
This development underscores growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s handling of religious violence and could influence future bilateral relations. “The deployment has begun, with the first US troops and aircraft landing in Nigeria.”