Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7457

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-10: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2026-06-09T08:05:57Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to address ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria by requiring the U.S. Secretary of State to produce annual reports on U.S. government efforts to combat these issues. It emphasizes protecting religious minorities, particularly Christians, from violence by extremist groups, and seeks to pressure the Nigerian government to end impunity, repeal discriminatory laws, and improve protections.

Key Provisions

• Findings Section: Documents extensive evidence of religious persecution in Nigeria since 2009, including violence by groups like Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani militias. Highlights statistics such as 50,000–125,000 Christian deaths, over 19,000 churches destroyed, mass displacements (3.5–5 million internally displaced persons), and enforcement of blasphemy laws carrying the death penalty in northern states. Notes failures in Nigerian investigations, prosecutions, and responses to attacks, as well as U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommendations for Nigeria's designation as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) for severe religious freedom violations.

• Sense of Congress Section: Expresses strong congressional support for:
• Reinstatating Nigeria's CPC designation under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA), which allows diplomatic tools like sanctions.
• Using U.S. diplomatic, humanitarian, economic, and security measures to urge Nigeria to end impunity, protect minorities, repeal blasphemy laws, and enable safe returns for displaced persons.
• Imposing targeted sanctions (e.g., visa bans, asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act) on specific individuals and groups, such as Fulani militias, former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and organizations like Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
• Designating certain Fulani militias as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• Providing humanitarian aid through faith-based and nongovernmental organizations, co-funded by Nigeria, and conditioning U.S. security assistance on progress.
• Investigating support networks for militias, countering foreign exploitation (e.g., Chinese mining operations), and partnering with international allies like France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.

• Reporting Requirement: Mandates the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report to key congressional committees within 90 days of enactment and annually thereafter, until Nigeria is removed from the CPC list per USCIRF recommendations. Reports must cover:
• Nigeria's compliance with IRFA, including actions on prosecutions, law repeals, and protections.
• U.S. sanctions and considerations under Magnitsky or related lists.
• Details on joint U.S.-Nigeria humanitarian efforts for displaced Christians, including funding and outcomes.
• Evaluation of U.S. security assistance to Nigeria and risks of exacerbating persecution.
• Progress on blasphemy law enforcement and investigations.
• Conditions for internally displaced persons and return prospects.
• Recommendations for further U.S. actions.
• Nigerian steps to address persecution, dismantle networks, and reform security.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill does not directly amend prior laws but introduces a new, mandatory annual reporting obligation tied to IRFA and USCIRF processes, building on existing frameworks like the Global Magnitsky Act for sanctions and the Immigration and Nationality Act for FTO designations. It formalizes congressional oversight of U.S. policy toward Nigeria, potentially influencing how IRFA's CPC tools are applied, and echoes past appropriations conditions (e.g., in the Fiscal Year 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act) by urging similar restrictions on aid.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of State and Treasury will face increased administrative burdens for reporting, sanctions evaluations, and coordination with Nigeria, potentially straining resources but enhancing accountability in foreign policy. Security assistance to Nigeria could be conditioned or reduced if reports highlight risks.

• On Citizens: Nigerian religious minorities, especially Christians in affected regions like Benue and Plateau States, may benefit from heightened U.S. pressure leading to better protections, aid, and returns home. However, it could indirectly affect ordinary Nigerians through strained U.S.-Nigeria ties or economic sanctions.

• On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. advocacy for global religious freedom, potentially deepening alliances with like-minded nations while pressuring Nigeria to combat extremism and foreign influences (e.g., Chinese mining). Could destabilize U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation if designations like FTO occur, but offers opportunities for bilateral agreements on counter-terrorism and economic ties if Nigeria complies.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government Entities: Department of State (reporting and diplomacy), Treasury (sanctions), Congress (oversight), and USCIRF (recommendations influencing CPC status).
• Nigerian Government and Society: Federal and state officials, security forces, and communities in northern and middle-belt regions; religious leaders (Christian clergy and imams) facing threats; internally displaced persons and refugees.
• Extremist Groups and Enablers: Fulani militias, Boko Haram, ISWAP, MACBAN, and supporters, who may face U.S. designations, sanctions, or investigations.
• International Actors: USCIRF, faith-based and nongovernmental aid organizations delivering humanitarian support; allies like France, Hungary, and the UK for joint efforts; Chinese entities involved in mining.
• U.S. Citizens and Advocacy Groups: Religious freedom advocates and diaspora communities pushing for action on global persecution.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces IRFA's mechanisms for addressing religious freedom violations without creating new enforcement powers, but the reporting requirement could lead to judicial scrutiny if sanctions or designations are challenged (e.g., under due process for named individuals). FTO proposals invoke immigration law criteria for "terrorist activity," potentially expanding U.S. counter-terrorism reach abroad.

• Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment protections for religious freedom by promoting these rights internationally, but raises separation-of-powers questions if Congress pushes executive actions like sanctions, though it frames them as recommendations.

• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for religious freedom policy, referencing actions by both Trump (CPC designations) and prior administrations, which could influence future U.S. elections or aid budgets. Highlights tensions in U.S. Africa policy, balancing security interests (e.g., countering Sahel instability) with human rights, and may politicize blasphemy law critiques in Muslim-majority regions, risking accusations of bias despite inclusive language on protecting all faiths.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Cosponsors (7)

Rep. Moore, Riley M. [R-WV-2], Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21], Rep. Diaz-Balart, Mario [R-FL-26], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. James, John [R-MI-10]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-10: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-02-10: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2026-02-10: Introduced in House
• 2026-02-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-10 — PDF (13 pages)