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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 7457

Nigeria: Religious Freedom and Accountability

Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026

about 1 month ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • This bill, introduced by Representative Smith of New Jersey, requires the U.S. government to track and report on religious violence in Nigeria. It focuses on protecting Christians and other groups from attacks by extremist militias. The goal is to hold the Nigerian government accountable for failing to stop mass killings and kidnappings.
  • The policy calls for the U.S. to use sanctions, such as freezing bank accounts and banning travel, for people or groups responsible for religious persecution. It notes that between 50,000 and 125,000 Christians have been killed since 2009, and over 19,000 churches have been attacked or destroyed.
  • It asks the State Department to determine if certain armed militias should be officially labeled as foreign terrorist organizations. This label would make it illegal for anyone to provide them with money or support and would help the U.S. target the networks that fund these violent groups.
  • The bill pushes Nigeria to get rid of "blasphemy laws" that can lead to the death penalty for people who speak about their faith. It also seeks to help the 3.5 to 5 million people who have been forced to leave their homes, ensuring they can safely return to their communities.
  • If passed, the U.S. would provide more humanitarian aid through local charities and faith-based organizations to help victims of violence. It also suggests that future military or financial help to Nigeria should depend on whether the country shows real progress in protecting its citizens from religious attacks.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 10, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Feb 10, 2026

Introduced in House

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 7457
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(5)
R: 5

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.