The United States Senate is debating a new bill that could strongly affect Nigeria’s government and justice system.
The bill is called the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025. It would officially label Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for violations of religious freedom.
The sponsor is Republican Senator Ted Cruz. The bill has already passed its second reading and is now with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for more review. A similar version is also moving through the House of Representatives.
If this bill becomes law, the U.S. government could place targeted sanctions on people in Nigeria who are involved in religious persecution or in enforcing blasphemy laws. Those people could include governors, judges, magistrates, police officers, prison officials, and other public figures.
The penalties could include visa bans, asset freezes, and limits on certain economic or defence partnerships with the United States. The bill does not only go after terror groups. It also covers state and non-state actors who take part in abuse or who ignore it when it happens.
Supporters of the bill point to many years of reports and testimonies. These show Nigeria as one of the deadliest places in the world for faith-based violence. Groups like Open Doors, Genocide Watch, and Vatican News have recorded thousands of killings of both Christians and Muslims by extremist groups.
U.S. lawmakers say that attacks often called “banditry” in Nigeria actually meet the U.S. legal meaning of terrorism. In other words, they are acts of violence against ordinary people for religious or ideological reasons.
The bill also focuses on blasphemy laws used in 12 northern states. Under this proposal, Nigeria would stay on the CPC list until it shows real progress in changing or repealing those laws. It must also take stronger action against extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa.
The bill requires the U.S. government to publish, within 90 days and then every year, a public list of people and groups tied to religious killings and persecution going back to 2015.
If the bill passes, relations between the U.S. and Nigeria could change. Washington could pause or restrict some defence cooperation, aid, or trade programs until the Nigerian government shows credible progress.
That means better protection for religious minorities, fair trials, and punishment for those who commit or enable violence. For Nigerian officials, the message is direct: reform the laws, protect people, and respect rights,or face international penalties.
The bill still has steps to go. First, it must pass the committee stage. Then it needs a full Senate vote. The House must also pass its version. After that, both chambers must agree on one final text.
The bill then goes to the President, who can sign it into law or veto it. If there is a veto, Congress can still make it law with a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House.
Many observers believe the bill has a good chance of passing because Republicans currently hold strong positions in Congress. If it becomes law, the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 would set a clear line: the U.S. will link its cooperation with Nigeria to real improvements in religious freedom and the rule of law.
It would also push Nigeria to review how its blasphemy laws are used and to do more to stop extremist violence. For communities in places like Plateau, Benue, and Southern Kaduna, the goal is straightforward: fewer attacks, greater protection, and justice when crimes occur.