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119-hr-7457119th Congress

Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

Introduced

Summary

Would push the U.S. to hold Nigeria accountable for widespread religious persecution by enabling targeted sanctions, terrorism determinations, and focused humanitarian help. The bill centers U.S. pressure on violent militias, blasphemy laws, and protection for displaced and persecuted religious minorities.

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  • Persecuted communities: Directs U.S. efforts to press Nigeria to protect vulnerable religious minorities, prioritize persecuted Christians, and support safe voluntary returns and humanitarian aid for the 3.5 to 5 million internally displaced people.
  • Accountability and security: Would require the State and Treasury Secretaries to consider targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act and to determine whether specific Fulani militias meet criteria for Foreign Terrorist Organization designation.
  • Oversight and diplomacy: Mandates a comprehensive report within 90 days and annual updates to key congressional committees on U.S. actions, Nigeria’s repeal of blasphemy laws, prosecutions, security cooperation, and humanitarian outcomes.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Humanitarian aid and security support

If enacted, the bill would direct U.S. humanitarian aid to Nigeria's middle belt. Aid would be co-funded by the Government of Nigeria and flow through trusted civil society and faith-based groups. The assistance would prioritize safe, voluntary returns of internally displaced persons and give priority to persecuted Christian communities. The bill would also direct the Secretary of State to consider technical help, including disarmament programs and counter-terrorism cooperation, to reduce militia violence.

Sanctions and terrorist labels for militias

If enacted, the bill would direct the Secretary of State and the Treasury to impose targeted sanctions. Sanctions could include visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Act. If sanctions are not imposed, the agencies would have to explain why to Congress. The bill would also direct the Secretary of State to assess whether some Fulani militias qualify as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under U.S. law.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]

NJ • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Moore, Riley M. [R-WV-2]

    WV • R

    Sponsored 2/10/2026

  • Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 2/10/2026

  • Rep. Diaz-Balart, Mario [R-FL-26]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 2/10/2026

  • Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4]

    MI • R

    Sponsored 2/10/2026

  • Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4]

    OK • R

    Sponsored 2/10/2026

  • Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14]

    NC • R

    Sponsored 3/30/2026

  • Rep. James, John [R-MI-10]

    MI • R

    Sponsored 6/8/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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