US Bill Proposes Visa Bans, Asset Freezes Over Religious Freedom Violations in Nigeria

The United States Congress has introduced a new legislation seeking targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and groups accused of complicity in religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 was introduced on Tuesday by Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).

The bill specifically names former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside Fulani ethnic militias and associations including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

According to the bill, sanctions would be imposed under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on individuals or entities found responsible for religious freedom abuses.

It also directs the US Secretary of State to assess whether certain Fulani militias should be designated as foreign terrorist organisations. Additionally, the legislation calls for the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Nigeria’s Middle Belt through faith-based and non-governmental organisations, co-funded by the Nigerian government.

In a post on X, Moore described the US as “a Christian nation” and stressed the need to stand with persecuted Christians globally. He said the bill builds on former President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and a recent US-Nigeria security framework agreement.

Tensions over religious freedom in Nigeria have drawn increased international attention amid persistent attacks by armed groups in the Middle Belt and northern regions.

In late 2025, the Trump administration redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing severe violations of religious freedom and alleged systematic attacks on Christian communities.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected this characterisation, maintaining that the country’s security challenges are multifaceted and not rooted in religious conflict.

The security situation has also prompted direct US military action. In December 2025, American forces carried out airstrikes against Islamic State-linked militants in northwest Nigeria in coordination with Abuja. The US has also expanded training support and military supplies for Nigerian troops.