A new bill advancing in the United States Senate, the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025,” could lead to significant sanctions against Nigerian state governors, judges, and security chiefs.
Sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, the legislation cites international reports claiming Nigeria accounts for a high percentage of global violence against Christians. The bill aims to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” triggering mandatory restrictions on U.S. military aid and economic assistance.
If passed, the law would require the U.S. government to publish a list of individuals accused of enabling religious persecution or enforcing blasphemy laws. Those named could face visa bans and asset freezes. The bill specifically targets 12 northern Nigerian states with sharia legal systems, urging them to repeal blasphemy laws.
The legislation has passed its second reading and is now with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for further review.
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