A new bill introduced in the United States Congress is seeking targeted sanctions and other punitive measures against individuals and organisations accused of serious violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

 

 

 

The legislation, sponsored by U.S. Representative Chris Smith, specifically names the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities implicated in abuses. It proposes visa bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions on members of the groups.

Smith presented the bill and also praised U.S. President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act.

 

 

 

“President Donald J. Trump acted appropriately and decisively to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC and hold the Nigerian government accountable for its complicity in religious persecution by radical Islamists, such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists,” he said.

 

 

 

The bill also notes that the U.S. government has placed “Fulani Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states on its Entities of Particular Concern (EPC) list, a classification reserved for non-state actors implicated in severe violations of religious freedom.

 

 

 

Beyond sanctions, the legislation recommends that the U.S. provide direct humanitarian assistance to faith-based organisations supporting internally displaced persons in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. It also calls for U.S. foreign assistance, including global health funding, to be conditioned on Nigeria taking immediate steps to address religious persecution.

 

 

The proposed law urges the development of long-term strategies for stability, including requiring the Nigerian government to prevent religiously motivated violence, prosecute offenders, support millions of displaced people, and uphold constitutional protections for religious freedom.

 

 

 

Smith’s bill was introduced the same day U.S. Senator Ted Cruz reiterated his commitment to holding Nigerian officials accountable in a separate legislative effort, the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, aimed at protecting Christians and other religious minorities.

 

 

 

The Congressional moves come amid heightened tensions after President Trump warned of possible U.S. military action in Nigeria if the government fails to halt the killing of Christians.