US Bill Targets Christian Persecution in Nigeria

American lawmakers are stepping up to protect Nigerian Christians facing deadly attacks by introducing groundbreaking legislation that demands real action.

The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 requires the US Secretary of State to track and report on Nigeria's efforts to stop religious violence. Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith are leading the charge, backed by several powerful committee chairmen from both foreign affairs and appropriations.

Moore visited Nigeria himself and saw the crisis firsthand. "For years, Christians in Nigeria have faced unspeakable violence, churches burned, villages destroyed, families slaughtered, while the global community looked away," he said. His trip was part of an investigation requested by President Trump, who designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" last November.

The bill comes after 13 congressional hearings revealed the scale of the problem. Representative Smith, who chaired those hearings, pointed out that Nigerian government denial has made things worse. Christian deaths and church attacks have reached record numbers.

If passed, the legislation will require a detailed State Department report covering several critical areas. These include how Nigeria treats displaced people, whether it enforces blasphemy laws, how it uses US security assistance, and what steps it takes to prosecute attackers and dismantle extremist networks.

The Ripple Effect

This bill represents more than pressure on one nation. It signals America's renewed commitment to protecting religious freedom worldwide, creating a template for how the US can hold foreign governments accountable while still cooperating with them.

The Nigerian government has started working with the Trump Administration to address security challenges. Moore praised this cooperation and expressed readiness to strengthen the US-Nigeria relationship while working to save Christian lives.

Chairman Tom Cole framed the effort clearly: "Defending religious liberty in Nigeria and worldwide is both a moral duty and a vital American interest." The bill's designation as a Country of Particular Concern allows the US to apply diplomatic and economic measures if needed.

The legislation now moves through Congress with bipartisan backing, offering hope that international pressure can protect vulnerable communities facing violence for their faith.