Donald Trump
Picnews
The US Congress is considering a bill that could impose far-reaching sanctions on 12 Nigerian governors, prominent traditional rulers, and senior judges over alleged complicity in what American lawmakers describe as a “Christian genocide” and systemic persecution under Nigeria’s Sharia and blasphemy laws. The bill, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, designates Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious persecution.
If passed, the bill would compel the US Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress within 90 days, listing Nigerian officials who have “promoted, enacted, or maintained blasphemy laws” or “tolerated violence by non-state actors invoking religious justification”. The sanctions, to be implemented under Executive Order 13818, the US government’s Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability framework, could result in visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions for those found culpable.
The proposed sanctions have sparked concerns about the potential impact on Nigeria’s economy and diplomatic relations. Retired diplomats and foreign policy experts warn that the designation could have far-reaching implications, including a reduction in US aid for socio-economic development, decreased security cooperation, and potential isolation in international organizations. Mohammed Mabdul, a former Nigerian ambassador to Algeria and Portugal, noted that the designation would minimize US aid to tackle socio-economic issues affecting vulnerable populations, particularly in healthcare, education, and microfinance schemes.
President Bola Tinubu is set to meet with his US counterpart to discuss the allegations. The Nigerian government has defended its constitutional and legal framework on religious freedom, insisting that Nigeria neither enforces nationwide blasphemy laws nor persecutes Christians as claimed in the pending US draft legislation. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the Nigerian leader had anticipated and responded to what he described as “orchestrated moves” against Nigeria’s image abroad.
The development has elicited reactions from various stakeholders, including former Kano Governor Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, who urged the US to assist Nigeria through advanced technology to fight nationwide threats rather than imposing divisive designations. PDP chieftain Segun Showunmi warned that the combined effect of a CPC designation and the Global Magnitsky Act could cripple Nigeria’s image and elite influence globally.
The US designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” is not new; it was previously designated under the International Religious Freedom Act. The proposed bill builds on this designation, aiming to hold Nigerian officials accountable for human rights abuses and significant corruption. Senator Ted Cruz, who sponsored the bill, stated, “We cannot continue to fund, arm, or diplomatically protect a government that turns a blind eye to religious genocide. Nigeria has become a case study in state-enabled persecution, and there must be accountability.
