S. 2747: Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025

The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 is legislation aimed at addressing issues related to religious freedom in Nigeria. Here’s a summary of the main components of the bill:

Designation as Country of Particular Concern

The bill requires the Secretary of State to officially designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC). This classification is based on evidence of ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom within the country.

Imposition of Sanctions

The President is mandated to impose specific sanctions under Executive Order 13818. These sanctions target individuals identified in reports that detail serious human rights abuses or corruption related to religious freedom. The report must include:

• Federal officials or state governors who have supported or enforced Nigerian blasphemy laws.
• Individuals who have tolerated violence perpetrated by others under the guise of religion, particularly actions linked to terrorist organizations.
• Judges and other judicial authorities who have enforced these blasphemy laws, leading to the prosecution or imprisonment of individuals.

Reporting Requirements

The Secretary of State is required to submit an initial report within 90 days of the bill's enactment, and then annually, listing individuals who meet the criteria for sanctions. This report will cover a ten-year period prior to the enactment date and will detail the actions of relevant officials and entities.

Designation of Terrorist Entities

Under the bill, the Secretary of State must designate Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa as "Entities of Particular Concern" (EPC) due to their involvement in systematic violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Waiver Authority

The bill does allow for certain waivers. The Secretary of State can choose not to impose the CPC designation if it can be established that:

• Neither Boko Haram nor ISIS-West Africa is currently active in Nigeria.
• All levels of the Nigerian government are not enforcing blasphemy laws.

Technical Corrections

The act also includes technical amendments to previous legislation to ensure consistent terminology relating to religious freedom.

Definitions

Definitions provided in the bill include terms such as:

• Appropriate congressional committees: The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• Boko Haram: The full name of the terrorist organization is Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad.
• ISIS-West Africa: Refers to the Islamic State West Africa Province.
• Nigerian blasphemy laws: Laws that penalize actions or expressions deemed insulting to religion.

Relevant Companies

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