The United States House of Representatives has introduced a new bill aimed at holding Nigerian government officials accountable for alleged religious persecution and serious human rights abuses. The proposed legislation, known as the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025,” was filed by Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman from Indiana on October 21, 2025.
The bill, identified as H.R.5808 in the 119th Congress, has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary for review. Both committees will examine the bill before it proceeds to the House floor for a vote.
Under the proposed law, the U.S. President would be required to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials identified as engaging in or tolerating religious persecution. The Secretary of State must submit a detailed report to Congress within 90 days of the bill’s passage, and annually thereafter, listing federal officials, state governors, judges, and other authorities implicated in enforcing or supporting blasphemy laws or allowing violence justified by religion.
The bill also covers officials responsible for prosecuting or imprisoning individuals under blasphemy laws, ensuring that both past and ongoing violations over a ten-year period are addressed.
This legislation reinforces Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” under U.S. law, a status that subjects nations to potential sanctions for severe violations of religious freedom. The bill also identifies extremist groups, including Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, as “Entities of Particular Concern.”
If passed, the bill would authorize the U.S. government to impose sanctions such as visa restrictions and asset freezes on Nigerian officials and entities accused of promoting or tolerating religiously motivated violence. The move signals a significant escalation in U.S. pressure on Nigeria regarding religious freedom and human rights.
Recent reports indicate that 12 northern Nigerian governors, senior judges, and prominent traditional leaders are at the center of potential sanctions, as lawmakers allege they have facilitated or ignored violence against Christians and other religious minorities under Sharia and blasphemy laws.
The bill also names organizations like the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association as responsible for violations, recommending targeted sanctions against their members.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump previously designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” urging the Secretary of State to act swiftly against officials accused of failing to protect religious minorities.
This legislation, if enacted, could deepen diplomatic tensions between the United States and Nigeria while highlighting international concern over ongoing religious persecution in the country.