Amanze Chinonye
House Republicans on Tuesday unveiled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457), a bill aimed at documenting religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria and increasing U.S. oversight of Nigerian security practices, Prime Business Africa reports.
The legislation, introduced by Rep. Chris Smith of New Jersey in partnership with Reps. Tom Cole of Oklahoma and Riley Moore of West Virginia, calls on the U.S. Secretary of State to submit an annual report to Congress detailing American efforts to combat persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The bill also directs the secretary to evaluate whether Fulani ethnic militias should be designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, review sanctioned individuals, and assess whether U.S. aid inadvertently supports religious persecution.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“This bill builds on the momentum of President Trump’s 2025 designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern,” Smith said. “The Nigerian government’s denial of religious persecution has allowed violence against Christians to grow unchecked, with church attacks and killings reaching unprecedented levels.”
According to Daily caller, The legislation also seeks to address hostile foreign exploitation of illegal Chinese mining operations in Nigeria, further expanding the U.S.’s strategic oversight in the region.
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Other Republican co-sponsors include Brian Mast of Florida, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, vice chairman of the Appropriations Committee; and Bill Huizenga of Michigan, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs South and East Asia Subcommittee. According to the bill’s sponsors, HR 7457 is expected to move quickly through the House.
From 2009 to 2025, the bill estimates that 50,000 to 125,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria, with widespread church destruction, mass kidnappings, rape, and village attacks. Rep. Moore said he had witnessed the violence firsthand during an investigative trip to Nigeria, underscoring the security challenges faced by the country.
Rep. Cole emphasized that defending religious liberty abroad is both a moral duty and an American interest, noting that the bill reinforces President Trump’s prior actions, including coordinated Nigerian security strikes on Christmas Day 2025.
Judd Saul, head of Equipping the Persecuted and Truth Nigeria, praised the bill as a “step in the right direction,” commending lawmakers for prioritizing the safety of persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
HR 7457 signals a continued U.S. focus on religious freedom and accountability in Nigeria, with sponsors aiming to ensure that acts of persecution are documented, addressed, and ultimately prevented.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
