The United States Congress has introduced a new bill proposing targeted sanctions against individuals and organisations accused of serious violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, with lawmakers citing support from President Donald Trump.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith, names the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities implicated in abuses. It recommends visa bans, asset freezes, and other punitive measures against members of the groups.
Smith praised President Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act, saying the move was necessary to hold the Nigerian government accountable.
“President Donald J. Trump acted appropriately and decisively to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC and hold the Nigerian government accountable for its complicity in religious persecution by radical Islamists, such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists,” Smith said.
The bill also highlights the designation of Fulani Ethnic Militias operating in Benue and Plateau states as Entities of Particular Concern (EPC), a classification for non-state actors involved in severe religious freedom violations.
In addition to sanctions, the legislation calls for direct humanitarian aid to faith-based organisations assisting internally displaced persons in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
It further proposes conditioning U.S. foreign assistance, including global health funding, on Nigeria’s efforts to curb religious persecution.
The bill urges the Nigerian government to develop long-term strategies to prevent religiously motivated violence, prosecute offenders, support displaced populations, and uphold constitutional protections for religious freedom.
On the same day, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz reaffirmed his support for the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, aimed at protecting Christians and other religious minorities.
The Congressional actions follow heightened tensions after President Trump warned of potential U.S. military intervention if Nigeria fails to stop the killing of Christians.
