The United States House of Representatives has introduced the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025,” seeking sanctions against Nigerian officials accused of enabling or tolerating religious persecution.
The bill, sponsored by Congressman Marlin Stutzman, mandates the U.S. President to apply sanctions under Executive Order 13818 on identified Nigerian officials.
If passed, the Secretary of State will submit annual reports naming governors, judges, and law enforcement officers linked to blasphemy prosecutions or religiously motivated violence.
The bill also reaffirms Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” under U.S. law, alongside Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa as Entities of Particular Concern.
Similar Senate legislation by Senator Ted Cruz calls for visa bans and asset freezes on implicated officials.
The move has sparked diplomatic tension with Nigeria, where 12 northern governors are reportedly on the U.S. watchlist.
