Faith
U.S. House Targets Nigerian Christian Persecution
Faith Facts
- U.S. lawmakers introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act to enhance oversight of religious freedom in Nigeria.
- The bill mandates annual U.S. reports on Nigeria’s efforts to protect vulnerable Christians and other minorities from violence.
- Christian lawmakers cite ongoing attacks by extremist groups and urge accountability from the Nigerian government.
Patriotic leaders in Congress are standing up for Christians facing violence in Nigeria by advancing the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act. This bold step requires the U.S. government to report annually on Nigeria’s efforts to protect religious liberty and punish those promoting hatred.
“For years, Christians in Nigeria have faced unspeakable violence — churches burned, villages destroyed, families slaughtered — while the global community looked away,” Rep. Riley Moore said, affirming the need for U.S. action.
Rep. Chris Smith emphasized America’s responsibility to defend religious freedom abroad, especially where extremist groups target believers. The bill also aims to hold Nigerian leaders accountable, with measures that could include targeted visa bans.
Extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have long persecuted Christian and Muslim communities alike, but Christian villages are often hit hardest. Recent tragic attacks have devastated families and churches across northern and central Nigeria.
President Trump took significant steps to spotlight Christian persecution, redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and launching airstrikes to combat Islamic extremists.
“The United States has a responsibility to do its due diligence in ensuring that the Nigerian government is taking the proper steps to address and punish the systemic violence against Christians and non-radical Muslims by Islamist extremists, such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists,” Smith said.
If enacted, this legislation will require America’s leaders to consistently advocate for Nigeria’s persecuted faithful and ensure that defending religious freedom remains a priority.
Join us in praying for Nigeria’s Christians and urging our leaders to strengthen protections for believers worldwide.