A US bill could impose sanctions on twelve northern governors, traditional rulers, and judges for alleged complicity in what American lawmakers describe as a “Christian genocide.”
According to The PUNCH reporting, a looming diplomatic crisis is unfolding between the United States and Nigeria, driven by a proposed U.S. Congress bill that could sanction senior Nigerian officials over allegations of religious persecution. The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, designates Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and proposes direct sanctions against officials accused of tolerating violence against Christians.
The bill targets twelve northern governors, prominent traditional rulers, and senior judges for their alleged complicity in what American lawmakers describe as a “Christian genocide” under Nigeria’s sharia and blasphemy laws. If passed, it would require the U.S. Secretary of State to submit a report within 90 days listing officials who have “promoted, enacted, or maintained blasphemy laws.” Sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act could include visa bans and asset freezes.
The political situation escalated with intervention from President Donald Trump, who lamented on Truth Social that “thousands of Christians were being killed in Nigeria.” He instructed Congressman Riley Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate and threatened severe consequences. “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’” Trump stated. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth echoed this, writing, “The Department of War is preparing for action.”
In response, the Nigerian Federal Government issued a policy note defending the country’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom, stating, “Sharia in Nigeria is not a nationwide, compulsory system.” It clarified that Sharia-based criminal provisions apply only to Muslims and that there is no federal blasphemy law.
The Presidency announced that President Bola Tinubu would meet with President Trump to discuss the allegations and counter-terrorism cooperation. Meanwhile, reactions within Nigeria were divided. The Christian Association of Nigeria blamed a “lack of courage by leaders,” while the Muslim Rights Concern urged that any U.S. action should target terrorist groups, not the Nigerian state. Former diplomats warned of reduced security cooperation and foreign investment if the bill passes, urging robust diplomacy to resolve the dispute.