H.R. 7457: Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026

This bill, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, aims to address the issue of religious persecution and mass atrocities occurring in Nigeria, primarily targeting Christians and other minority groups. Here are the key components of the bill:

Findings

• The bill highlights that Nigeria has experienced systemic religious persecution since 2009, including violence perpetrated by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani militias. This includes mass murder, kidnappings, rapes, and destruction of villages.
• It notes that an estimated 50,000 to 125,000 Christians have been killed, and over 19,000 churches have been attacked or destroyed in the recent past.
• Fulani ethnic militias are recognized as terrorist groups under U.S. law due to their organized violent attacks against civilians.
• Recent massacres by these militias have resulted in significant casualties and displacement of populations, especially in Nigeria's central regions.
• The bill expresses concern that the Nigerian government's failure to adequately respond to these attacks exacerbates the security situation and endangers religious freedom.
• It also mentions blasphemy laws in northern Nigeria that threaten both Muslims and Christians, leading to severe penalties for alleged violations.

Sense of Congress

The Congress expresses its support for the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to ongoing religious persecution, emphasizing several points:

• The need for the U.S. government to use diplomatic, humanitarian, economic, and security measures to push Nigeria toward action against these violent acts.
• Support for protecting Christian communities and ensuring their safe return to displaced areas.
• The call for the Nigerian government to uphold freedom of religion and address blasphemy laws.
• Encouragement of U.S.-Nigeria cooperation to tackle issues of violence, promote peace, and eliminate terrorist threats.

Reporting Requirement

The bill mandates the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report within 90 days of the bill’s enactment and annually thereafter. These reports will cover:

• Nigeria's compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act, including government actions to prevent persecution and protect minorities.
• Identified individuals and entities facing sanctions for severe human rights violations.
• Details on U.S. humanitarian assistance to Christians affected by violence.
• An evaluation of U.S. security aid to Nigeria, assessing whether it could be misused in ways that exacerbate religious persecution.
• Conditions of internally displaced persons and their safety and needs for return.
• Recommendations for further actions or authority needed to address the situation in Nigeria.

Potential Impact on the Nigerian Government

The bill is expected to pressure the Nigerian government to take significant actions, such as:

• Ending impunity for perpetrators of mass atrocities.
• Repealing or modifying blasphemy laws.
• Improving protections for vulnerable religious communities.
• Facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons.

Relevant Companies

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