- The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion
- Victims of violence cut across all faiths and regions
- The proposed U.S. legislation could damage Nigeria’s sovereignty
The House of Representatives firmly rejected the U.S. Senate’s description of Nigeria’s security challenges as genocide against Christians or state-sponsored persecution, stating the claim misrepresented the country’s complex security situation.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that their reaction followed the unanimous adoption of a motion sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, titled “Urgent Need for a Coordinated Diplomatic and Domestic Response to the Proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025.”
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The U.S. bill, introduced on September 9, 2025, aims to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and impose sanctions on certain officials under the Global Magnitsky Act.
Kalu explained that although the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom had repeatedly made similar recommendations, its assessments failed to capture Nigeria’s realities. He noted that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits any adoption of a state religion.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that insecurity in Nigeria is driven by insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes rather than religion. He said victims of violence cut across all faiths and regions, with terrorist groups and criminals being the main culprits.
Lawmakers warned that the proposed U.S. legislation could damage Nigeria’s sovereignty and diplomatic relations. Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere urged quick diplomatic action, noting that reversing the U.S. bill later could prove costly.
Oluwole Oke from Osun said the American claim appeared to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish Nigeria’s image. Sada Soli from Katsina called for stronger parliamentary diplomacy, while Billy Osawaru from Edo urged Nigeria to expand its global diplomatic presence.
After extensive debate, the House condemned all violence linked to religion and expressed sympathy for victims regardless of faith.
It directed the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Nigerian Embassy in Washington to lodge a formal protest with U.S. authorities and present verified data to defend Nigeria’s position before global institutions.
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