A major diplomatic confrontation may be brewing between Nigeria and the United States as twelve northern governors, several traditional rulers, and senior judicial officers have been listed in a proposed U.S. congressional bill seeking sanctions over alleged complicity in what American lawmakers describe as a “Christian genocide” and systemic persecution through sharia and blasphemy laws.
The development follows President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and his directive to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take immediate action.
Trump, in a post shared on his Truth Social platform on Friday, expressed outrage over the reported killings of thousands of Christians across Nigeria. He instructed Congressman Riley Moore, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, and other lawmakers to investigate the situation and provide an urgent report.
The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, introduced by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, forms the core of the proposed sanctions.
The bill explicitly names Nigeria as a country where religious minorities face persecution and calls for targeted penalties against public officials and religious authorities found to have enabled or ignored attacks on Christians and other faith groups.
According to U.S. legislative aides, the sanctions could include travel bans, asset freezes, and restrictions on financial transactions involving the listed individuals and their associates.
