Five members of the United States Congress have introduced a bill seeking visa restrictions and asset freezes against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and other named entities over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 7457), was sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith (R–New Jersey), Riley Moore (R–West Virginia), Brian Mast (R–Florida), Mario Diaz-Balart (R–Florida), and Bill Huizenga (R–Michigan). The bill calls on the U.S. Secretary of State to provide regular reports to Congress assessing Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom standards and steps taken to safeguard vulnerable communities.
If passed, the bill would require U.S. authorities to consider targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, including visa bans and asset freezes on individuals or groups allegedly linked to severe religious freedom abuses. It also directs the State Department to evaluate whether certain Fulani ethnic militias should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.
The lawmakers cited reports estimating that tens of thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria between 2009 and 2025, alongside the destruction of thousands of churches. They referenced major attacks in parts of the Middle Belt, including incidents during Christmas and Easter periods in recent years. According to Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List, Nigeria accounts for a significant percentage of Christians reportedly killed worldwide.
In addition, the bill proposes humanitarian assistance initiatives in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, co-funded with the Nigerian government and delivered through civil society and faith-based organizations. It also encourages coordination with international partners such as the United Kingdom, France, and Hungary to promote peace and religious tolerance.
The legislation further highlights concerns over illegal mining activities allegedly linked to extremist financing, with some U.S. lawmakers pointing to foreign actors and insurgent groups benefiting from protection payments.
Reacting to the development, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) expressed shock over the inclusion of its national leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in the proposed sanctions. The party, through its National Publicity Secretary Ladipo Johnson, denied any involvement by Kwankwaso in religious extremism or related violations, describing the move as misguided and urging proper investigation before drawing conclusions.
Meanwhile, the End the Genocide Against Nigerian Christians Coalition, led by Save Nigeria Group USA, has thrown its weight behind the bill, praising its sponsors and calling for bipartisan support to ensure accountability and strengthen protections for religious minorities.
The bill is currently before the U.S. Congress for consideration, with its sponsors stating that future U.S.–Nigeria relations could be influenced by Nigeria’s response to concerns over religious violence and protection of fundamental rights.
