Nigeria’s House of Representatives has strongly opposed a bill introduced in the United States Senate accusing the country of persecuting Christians and seeking to classify it as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The lawmakers condemned the proposed U.S. legislation, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 (S.2747), sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz. The bill calls for sanctions against Nigerian officials under the Global Magnitsky Act and directs the U.S. Secretary of State to officially designate Nigeria as a CPC for alleged religious persecution.

During Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja, the House dismissed the claims as misleading and untrue, stressing that Nigeria’s security challenges are rooted in terrorism, banditry, communal conflicts, and other criminal activities—not religious persecution.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who sponsored the motion along with other members, said the U.S. bill was based on “incomplete and de-contextualized assessments” that misrepresent Nigeria’s reality and threaten its sovereignty.

“The security crisis affects citizens of all faiths. It is not a state-driven persecution but the result of criminal and terrorist actions,” Kalu stated. He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits the adoption of a state religion.

The House, while condemning all forms of violence based on religion, mandated its Committees on Foreign Affairs, National Security and Intelligence, Interior, Information and National Orientation, Police Affairs, Civil Society, and Human Rights to jointly coordinate a response within 21 days.

The committees are expected to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., to deliver a formal diplomatic response to the sponsors of the U.S. bill and relevant Senate committees, presenting factual data on Nigeria’s human rights and religious freedom record.

Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Wole Oke, warned that the U.S. bill had already passed second reading and that Nigerian representatives were denied the opportunity to present their position during the U.S. Senate’s public hearing.

Another lawmaker, Billy Osawaru, described the move as “global politics,” saying it could create a ripple effect across Africa if passed. He expressed concern that Nigeria currently lacks an ambassador to the United States and a permanent representative to the United Nations, leaving diplomatic gaps in addressing such issues.

Majority Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere accused some Nigerians of spreading misinformation abroad, which he said has fueled negative perceptions. “We must counter these false narratives with facts,” he urged.

Ahmed Jaha, who represents Chibok Federal Constituency in Borno State, supported the motion and highlighted the importance of protecting Nigeria’s international reputation. “This is not just about politics; it’s about defending our national image,” he said.

The House Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, referred the matter to the committees on Foreign Affairs and Police Affairs for further legislative actions.

Lawmakers reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and called on the United States to engage constructively with the Nigerian government rather than rely on what they described as one-sided reports.

In conclusion, the House vowed to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensure the international community understands that the country’s ongoing security challenges are not religiously motivated but stem from complex criminal and insurgent activities affecting all citizens equally.