Christopher Smith (R-NJ)
Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 7 Republican cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026," aims to address religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. It seeks to compel the United States government to monitor and report on efforts to combat violence against religious minorities, particularly Christians. The legislation highlights systemic issues including mass killings, kidnappings, and the use of blasphemy laws. It proposes using diplomatic, economic, and security tools to pressure the Nigerian government to protect its citizens. Additionally, the bill calls for targeted sanctions against entities responsible for these human rights violations. Finally, it mandates regular comprehensive reports to Congress to ensure accountability and progress.
Yes· 3 of 7
- Scored +8
Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?
The bill uses diplomatic and economic pressure to protect the rights of Christian communities and other religious minorities in Nigeria.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill mandates regular, comprehensive reports to Congress regarding United States efforts to address atrocities in Nigeria.
- Scored +4
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill highlights the need to protect individuals like Christian farmers who face violence while working their land.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Vulnerable Communities: The bill encourages the use of diplomatic and economic tools to pressure the Nigerian government to protect Christian communities, clergy, and other religious minorities (Section 3, Subsection 3, B).
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Support for Displaced Persons: The legislation seeks to enable the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons to their homelands, prioritizing persecuted Christian communities (Section 3, Subsection 3, C).
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Humanitarian Aid Delivery: It encourages the delivery of humanitarian assistance through trusted civil society and faith-based organizations in Nigeria's middle belt states (Section 3, Subsection 6).
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Legal Reform and Rights: The bill advocates for the repeal of blasphemy laws and the release of prisoners detained for their faith to ensure freedom of religion is protected (Section 3, Subsection 3, D).
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Accountability for Perpetrators: It proposes the use of targeted sanctions, such as visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals or entities responsible for severe religious freedom violations (Section 3, Subsection 7).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Risks of Security Assistance: The bill notes the need to evaluate whether United States security assistance risks enabling or exacerbating religious persecution (Section 4, Subsection B, 4).
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Counteracting Foreign Exploitation: The text mentions that the United States should work with Nigeria to counteract the destabilizing practice of Chinese illegal mining operations paying protection money to Fulani militias (Section 3, Subsection 11).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion? — The bill uses diplomatic and economic pressure to protect the rights of Christian communities and other religious minorities in Nigeria. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill encourages the delivery of humanitarian assistance to displaced persons in Nigeria's middle belt states. Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill addresses destabilizing militant activities in West Africa that could impact regional stability.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill highlights the need to protect individuals like Christian farmers who face violence while working their land. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill seeks to deliver humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons who are often in high-poverty situations.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates regular, comprehensive reports to Congress regarding United States efforts to address atrocities in Nigeria.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill encourages working with international partners like France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom to promote peace in Nigeria.
- 6/8/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/10/2026
- 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.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Tom ColeRepublican · Oklahoma
Mario Diaz-BalartRepublican · Florida
Bill HuizengaRepublican · Michigan
John JamesRepublican · Michigan
Brian MastRepublican · Florida
Riley MooreRepublican · West Virginia
Tim MooreRepublican · North Carolina