A new bill introduced in the US Congress proposes targeted sanctions on individuals and entities allegedly responsible for severe religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
The bill specifically names the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, recommending visa bans and asset freezes against members of these groups.
“Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states are also to be placed on the entities of particular concern (EPC) list under the International Religious Freedom Act, according to the bill introduced by US Representative Smith Christopher.
Christopher commended President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria a country of particular concern (CPC), emphasizing the need to hold Nigerian officials accountable for religious persecution.
US Senator Ted Cruz has vowed to hold Nigerian officials accountable over claims of Christian genocide, stating, “I intend to be very explicit about who they are in the coming days and weeks”.
Cruz’s proposed bill, the ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025’, calls for targeted sanctions against federal officials and state governors who promote or maintain Nigerian blasphemy laws.
The Nigerian government has rejected allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that religion is not a major factor in the country’s insecurity issues.
The proposed sanctions have sparked debate, with some arguing they could exacerbate tensions and others seeing them as necessary measures to
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