- US Representatives Move to Sanction Armed Groups, Nigerian Officials Over Rights Concerns
- The bill was announced by US Congressman Riley Moore in a post on X
- The introduction of the bill comes amid heightened international scrutiny over sectarian violence
United States lawmakers have introduced a new bill aimed at strengthening accountability for alleged human rights and religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, includes provisions that could lead to sanctions against suspected Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
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The bill was announced by US Congressman Riley Moore in a post on X, where he revealed that he introduced the legislation alongside Representative Chris Smith.
“Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith,” Moore wrote.
Moore, a Republican lawmaker, stressed what he described as America’s longstanding commitment to global religious freedom.
“The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world,” he stated.
According to Moore, the proposed legislation is intended to reinforce previous US actions concerning Nigeria, including President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and the recently announced US–Nigeria security framework agreement.
Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, Sean Nelson, also welcomed the bill, describing it as a significant step toward increasing accountability.
In a statement, Nelson said the measure would recommend sanctions against armed groups accused of sectarian violence, as well as government officials alleged to have enacted or supported laws critics argue infringe on religious freedoms.
The introduction of the bill comes amid heightened international scrutiny over sectarian violence and religious tensions in parts of Nigeria.
If passed, the legislation could expand US policy tools aimed at addressing religious freedom concerns and human rights violations in the country.
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