A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has unveiled a landmark bill aimed at addressing the ongoing persecution of Christian communities in Nigeria, highlighting growing concern in Washington over violence, attacks on churches, and insecurity affecting vulnerable populations in the African nation. The legislation underscores a shift in U.S. foreign policy focus toward promoting religious freedom and accountability in regions facing escalating threats.
The bill, officially titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 7457), was introduced on February 10, 2026, by Representatives Riley M. Moore (R‑WV) and Chris Smith (R‑NJ), with backing from several other key members of Congress, including Tom Cole and Brian Mast. Sponsors say the law is intended to strengthen U.S. efforts to ensure that Nigeria’s government actively protects at-risk communities and holds perpetrators of violence accountable.
Among the bill’s key provisions, the U.S. Secretary of State would be required to submit an annual report to Congress detailing efforts to address religious persecution in Nigeria. The report would evaluate the Nigerian government’s actions to safeguard civilians, prosecute attackers, and reform security forces, while also assessing the impact of U.S. assistance in supporting these objectives.
The legislation also directs a review of individuals and groups linked to violent attacks, allowing for potential U.S. sanctions against those responsible for ongoing persecution. Notably, it encourages consideration of designating ethnic Fulani militias as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), citing repeated attacks on Christian communities and the role of these groups in broader regional insecurity.
Lawmakers argue that the bill represents a moral imperative to support persecuted communities while also advancing broader U.S. foreign policy interests. By linking U.S. assistance and sanctions to tangible actions against perpetrators, the measure seeks to create a framework for accountability and long-term security in affected areas.
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Rep. Riley Moore emphasized that the legislation builds on previous initiatives, including Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” under international religious freedom laws. He described the bill as a necessary step for the United States to actively advocate for the protection of civilians and the promotion of human rights.
Rep. Chris Smith, a long-time advocate for international religious freedom, stated that the bill aims to end “the silence on mass Christian killings” in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions, where attacks by extremist groups have displaced thousands and destroyed communities. He highlighted the importance of U.S. engagement in pressuring authorities to respond effectively to these crises.
The bill comes amid a backdrop of persistent violence in Nigeria, including attacks by Boko Haram up, ISWAP, and armed herder militias, which have targeted Christians as well as other communities. Advocacy groups in the United States have cited thousands of deaths and widespread displacement, calling for stronger international measures to address the humanitarian impact of these conflicts.
While the Nigerian government has previously rejected characterizations framing the violence as strictly religious persecution, emphasizing that insecurity affects people of all faiths, the U.S. legislation reflects growing international scrutiny of how Nigeria handles religiously-motivated attacks. Observers note that diplomatic engagement between the two countries will likely influence how the bill is implemented and perceived on the ground.
Since its introduction, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act is expected to undergo committee review before potentially advancing to the full House for debate. Its sponsors and supporting advocacy groups plan to hold hearings and push for broader attention, signaling that U.S. lawmakers are prepared to closely monitor Nigeria’s response to the security and religious freedom challenges affecting its Christian population.
