Bill > HR7457

This bill, titled the "Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026," mandates that the Secretary of State submit a detailed report to Congress within 90 days of enactment and annually thereafter, outlining the United States' efforts to combat religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. The report will assess Nigeria's adherence to the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, detailing actions taken or not taken by the Nigerian government to prevent persecution, prosecute perpetrators, repeal blasphemy laws, protect vulnerable communities, and facilitate the return of displaced persons. It will also identify individuals and entities sanctioned or under consideration for sanctions, describe collaborative efforts for humanitarian aid to Christians displaced by Fulani-ethnic militias, and evaluate U.S. security assistance to Nigeria to ensure it doesn't worsen religious persecution. Furthermore, the report will assess Nigeria's progress in repealing blasphemy laws, the conditions of internally displaced persons, and provide recommendations for further action. The bill also expresses Congress's sense that the U.S. should utilize all diplomatic, humanitarian, economic, and security tools to pressure Nigeria to end impunity for atrocities, protect religious minorities, and ensure religious freedom, including the repeal of blasphemy laws. It also calls for the Secretary of State to consider designating certain Fulani-ethnic militias as foreign terrorist organizations and to investigate those who support them, while also exploring technical support for Nigeria to counter violence from these militias and address foreign exploitation of illegal mining operations. The bill emphasizes solidarity with persecuted religious minorities in Nigeria and suggests that a strong U.S.-Nigeria relationship depends on Nigeria's response to these issues.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7457/all-info