State Dept. ordered to report annually on religious violence in Nigeria
In committeeH.R. 7457Latest action
Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith · Representative · NJ
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Official title: Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 7457 requires annual State Dept. reports on U.S. efforts against religious violence in Nigeria and weighs sanctions on implicated groups.
55-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 7457 requires the U.S. Secretary of State to produce a detailed report within 90 days of enactment, and every year after, on U.S. efforts to address religious violence and persecution in Nigeria. The reports must cover Nigerian accountability for attacks, whether U.S. aid may be reaching those causing harm, care for displaced persons, and Nigeria's movement toward repealing blasphemy laws that allow imprisonment or execution. The reporting requirement lasts as long as Nigeria holds a Country of Particular Concern designation under U.S. religious freedom law.
Who does it affect?
U.S. foreign policy and State Department officials are directly required to produce and act on these reports. Indirectly, the bill concerns Nigerians experiencing religious violence, displaced persons, and organizations receiving or potentially receiving U.S. humanitarian aid in Nigeria.
Why does it matter?
The bill could influence how U.S. foreign assistance to Nigeria is directed going forward. It also introduces the possibility of sanctions including travel bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups connected to the violence, and may lead to a formal review of whether certain armed Fulani militias qualify as foreign terrorist organizations.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 10, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Feb 10, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.