State Dept. ordered to report annually on religious violence in Nigeria

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.

Where does it stand?