US sanctions loom over Nigeria amid religious violence, FG responds

March 15, 2025

By Ayinde Adeleke

The United States House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa has authorized President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Nigeria in response to the escalating violence against Christians in the country.

This decision was made after a congressional hearing where lawmakers condemned the Nigerian government for failing to protect Christian communities from violence.

According to a 2024 report by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, Nigerians account for 90% of all Christians killed worldwide each year.

The report documented that between October 2019 and September 2023, 55,910 people were killed, and 21,000 others were abducted by terrorist groups operating in the region.

Committee Chairman Chris Smith emphasized the severity of the crisis, citing testimony from Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria.

Bishop Anagbe stated, “Militant Fulani herdsmen are terrorists. They steal and vandalize, they kill and boast about it, they kidnap and rape, and they enjoy total impunity from elected officials.”

The Nigerian Government has responded to the US sanctions, stating that the reports of targeted killings of Christians are part of a misleading campaign.

Acting Spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to express strong concern over the recent wave of misinformation and misleading reports regarding the supposed targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria.”

Ebienfa emphasized that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation, and the government remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

The Government also called on the international community to verify information before making statements that could deepen tensions in Nigeria.

In response to the US sanctions, the Nigerian Government highlighted its efforts to combat security threats, including military actions against insurgents and bandits, and efforts to address communal clashes.

Ebienfa stated, “The Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken significant steps to address these security concerns, including the deployment of security forces, intelligence gathering, and community engagement initiatives.”