A diplomatic crisis may be brewing between Nigeria and the United States as reports emerge that the US Congress is considering a new bill seeking to impose sanctions on twelve northern governors, along with several traditional rulers and senior judges, over alleged religious persecution and human rights violations.
According to sources familiar with the deliberations, the proposed bill accuses certain northern officials of complicity in what American lawmakers describe as “a Christian genocide” and the systemic enforcement of sharia and blasphemy laws against religious minorities in northern Nigeria.
If passed, the legislation could authorize the freezing of assets, visa bans, and restrictions on diplomatic engagements with any Nigerian official found guilty of involvement or complicity in human rights abuses.
The move follows mounting pressure from religious freedom advocacy groups and members of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, who have consistently raised concerns about attacks on churches, faith-based discrimination, and judicial punishments under blasphemy laws.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to the development. However, diplomatic observers warn that such a bill, if enacted, could strain bilateral relations between Abuja and Washington — two nations that have long cooperated on security, trade, and counterterrorism.