Title: US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Hold Nigeria Accountable Over Religious Persecution Date Published: 11 February 2026 Description: Pressure is intensifying on the United States Government to intervene more decisively in the plight of persecuted Christians in Nigeria, as two senior lawmakers have introduced fresh legislation aimed at addressing religious violence and mass atrocities in the country.On Tuesday, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Rep. Chris Smith (R–New Jersey), alongside Rep. Riley Moore (R–West Virginia), introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026. The bill seeks to compel greater U.S. oversight and accountability regarding Nigeria’s handling of religious persecution.The proposed legislation mandates the U.S. Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report to Congress detailing American efforts to confront religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria, as well as assessing the Nigerian government’s response to the crisis.The bill has already attracted strong bipartisan backing, including support from House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast (R–Florida), House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R–Oklahoma), Appropriations Vice Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R–Florida), and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and East Asia, Bill Huizenga (R–Michigan). Lawmakers expect the bill, designated HR 7457, to advance swiftly through the House.Rep. Smith accused the Nigerian government of downplaying the scale of religious persecution, arguing that such denial has allowed violence to escalate. He noted that Christian deaths and attacks on churches have reached unprecedented levels, despite repeated international concern. Smith has chaired 13 congressional hearings on religious persecution in Nigeria.He further referenced President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), stressing that the U.S. has a duty to ensure Nigeria takes concrete steps to curb violence and prosecute perpetrators, including extremist groups such as Boko Haram and armed Fulani militias.Rep. Moore, who said he visited Nigeria as part of a U.S.-led investigation, described witnessing firsthand the devastation suffered by Christian communities. He said the legislation underscores U.S. solidarity with persecuted Christians and aims to support Nigeria in tackling its security challenges.Chairman Brian Mast said the international community cannot remain passive while Nigerians face killings, kidnappings and assaults linked to religious extremism. He added that the bill aligns with President Trump’s efforts to hold governments accountable for violations of religious freedom.Similarly, Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole described the defence of religious liberty as both a moral obligation and a core American interest, stating that the bill sends a clear signal that religious persecution will not be tolerated.Under the legislation, the State Department report would assess Nigeria’s compliance with the International Religious Freedom Act, identify individuals or entities sanctioned under U.S. human rights laws, evaluate U.S. security assistance to Nigeria, and examine the enforcement of blasphemy and Sharia laws. It would also review humanitarian assistance to displaced Christian communities, conditions of internally displaced persons, and steps taken by Nigeria to dismantle extremist networks and protect vulnerable populations.The bill further calls for recommendations on additional executive or congressional actions needed to halt religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.While commending Nigeria’s cooperation with the Trump administration on security issues, Rep. Moore said continued engagement was necessary to save lives. Rep. Smith warned that inaction by both Nigeria and the U.S. only emboldens extremists, stressing the need for sustained global leadership in defending religious freedom. Attached Images: b52ae49e0da459305c76ebca3ef9ef7744b1b66b827c457a3e1db6717fb85526.webp Attached Video: None