Several members of the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a new bill aimed at holding Nigeria accountable for ongoing religious persecution, particularly targeting Christians in the country.
The legislation, called the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was co-introduced on February 10 by Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va. The bill would require the U.S. Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report to Congress detailing American involvement in addressing religious persecution in Nigeria and assessing the Nigerian government’s compliance with international religious freedom and human rights standards.
As previously reported by Zeale News, violence against Christians in Nigeria has been persistent for years. Radical Islamic groups have killed thousands and destroyed churches, homes, and sources of livelihood. Recent incidents include the abduction of nine Catholics from their church on February 6 and the kidnapping of a priest along with ten others on February 7.
Nigeria’s government has been criticized for allowing this persecution to continue unchecked. In response, President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) last October and authorized a strike on an ISIS camp in December.
Smith stated: “Since Nigeria is now a CPC, the U.S. has a responsibility to do its due diligence in ensuring that the Nigerian government is taking the proper steps to address and punish the systemic violence against Christians and non-radical Muslims by Islamist extremists, such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists.”
Moore described his visit to Nigeria as part of an investigation into Christian persecution: “I witnessed firsthand the horrors our brothers and sisters in Christ face and saw the security challenges Nigeria faces.” He added: “That is why I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Representative Chris Smith. This legislation makes clear that the United States stands with our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ and seeks to help Nigeria address its many challenges.”
According to details from Smith’s office, if passed, the law would mandate that reports from the Secretary of State assess whether Nigeria is upholding international religious freedom laws, cooperating with U.S.-led humanitarian efforts, working toward eliminating blasphemy laws, investigating cases related to religious persecution, among other requirements.
Smith further warned: “If we do not act—and if we fail as well—Christians or non-radical Muslims will suffer even more misery, suffering, and death.” He continued: “That is why it is paramount that the United States remain steadfast in its mission to promote and protect religious freedoms throughout the globe — by ensuring that we are doing all that we can to end this crisis, we set an important example for the rest of the international community.”
Chris Smith has served as a representative for New Jersey’s 4th district since 1981 after replacing Frank Thompson. Born in Rahway in 1953,Smith currently resides in Manchester Township.
