United States lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at increasing accountability for human rights abuses in Nigeria.
The bill, known as the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, proposes sanctions against armed groups and political figures accused of fueling sectarian violence.
Representative Riley Moore, a Republican, announced the measure alongside Representative Chris Smith.
“Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith,” Moore said.
He said America remains committed to global religious freedom.
“The U.S. is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world,” he declared.
Focus on Accountability
The bill builds on earlier U.S. actions, including Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under President Donald Trump and the recent U.S.–Nigeria security framework agreement.
The legislation reportedly targets specific actors. Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, praised the effort.
“Powerhouse team of Rep. Chris Smith & Rep Riley Moore today introduced a new bill on religious freedom in Nigeria increasing accountability measures, incl recs for sanctions against Fulani militias and former Kano State gov Kwankwaso, who intro’d Sharia criminal law there,” Nelson said.
The proposed law recommends sanctions against Fulani militias accused of violence and government figures linked to policies critics say restrict religious freedoms.
The bill signals Washington’s tie of security and economic cooperation to human rights benchmarks.
Nigeria has battled insurgency for more than a decade. The conflict has killed tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands and displaced millions.
Washington has repeatedly pressured Abuja to address insecurity. President Trump previously described the violence as “persecution” and “genocide” against Christians.
Nigerian officials reject that characterization, insisting the crisis is driven by terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes rather than targeted religious persecution.
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