Reps Condemn US Congress Bill Alleging Religious Killings In Nigeria

The House of Representatives has rejected claims made in a bill before the United States Congress that accuse Nigeria of systematic religious killings and government-backed persecution.

The lawmakers described the claims as misleading and dangerous, insisting that the country’s security challenges are not religiously motivated.

The resolution was adopted on Tuesday following a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu. Members unanimously backed the motion, calling for diplomatic and evidence-based action to counter the allegations.

The controversial U.S. bill, introduced on March 11, 2025, seeks to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” The proposed designation implies that the Nigerian government either engages in or tolerates severe violations of religious freedom.

In rejecting the claim, the House directed key government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to gather verifiable data and transmit detailed reports that counter the accusations before the U.S. Congress takes further action.

Lawmakers argued that the narrative promoted by the bill undermines Nigeria’s image abroad and disregards years of interfaith collaboration and peaceful coexistence across the country. They urged immediate diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Washington to prevent the resolution from advancing further.

Lawmakers Insist Nigeria Faces Security, Not Religious, Crisis

The House maintained that while the country continues to battle terrorism, kidnapping, and communal conflicts, such violence affects Nigerians of all faiths and ethnicities. They stressed that these crises are criminal in nature rather than religiously inspired.

According to members, international reports and lobby groups often misrepresent the situation by presenting isolated attacks as evidence of a coordinated campaign against Christians. Lawmakers warned that such narratives could deepen divisions and fuel distrust among Nigerians.

The debate at the plenary reflected bipartisan support for a strong response to the U.S. bill. Legislators urged the Federal Government to step up public diplomacy and counter disinformation campaigns that portray Nigeria as a state hostile to religious freedom.

Two weeks earlier, the Federal Government had dismissed similar allegations made by some international platforms and advocacy groups. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described those reports as false and divisive, insisting that they do not reflect the reality on the ground.

He explained that the government “strongly condemns and categorically refutes” claims suggesting that terrorists in Nigeria are carrying out a systematic genocide against Christians. According to him, such assertions distort the complex nature of the country’s security challenges and risk worsening tensions.

The minister noted that extremists have attacked Nigerians of all faiths, pointing out that both Christians and Muslims have suffered heavy losses to banditry and insurgency over the years. He also highlighted that military operations in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central have continued to record significant progress in dismantling terrorist networks.

The House echoed that position during Tuesday’s plenary, calling on foreign governments and institutions to avoid generalising Nigeria’s internal challenges or promoting stereotypes that can harm national unity.

They emphasised that the country’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and association, and that both Christians and Muslims hold prominent roles in public life, governance, and national security.

Lawmakers also urged Nigerians abroad to counter misleading narratives by sharing factual information about ongoing peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue initiatives.

Some members suggested that the National Assembly should strengthen its own foreign relations committee to engage with parliaments in other countries, especially on issues that affect Nigeria’s image and sovereignty.

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The House’s decision aligns with the Federal Government’s broader diplomatic efforts to correct perceived misrepresentations by international bodies and advocacy groups.

Meanwhile, civil society organisations in Nigeria have called for balanced reporting on security issues, warning that mislabeling them as religious conflicts could hinder collaborative solutions and international support.

Analysts note that the U.S. designation of a “Country of Particular Concern” often carries political and economic consequences, including possible sanctions or restrictions on military assistance. This, they say, could affect Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and undermine international cooperation.

The House, therefore, urged the Nigerian embassy in Washington to intensify engagement with U.S. lawmakers, faith-based organisations, and media platforms to present the country’s true security context.

Lawmakers concluded that while Nigeria continues to confront terrorism and insecurity, reducing these complex challenges to a religious conflict is inaccurate and unfair. They reaffirmed their commitment to promoting unity, tolerance, and collaboration among Nigerians of all beliefs.

The resolution was subsequently adopted without objection, marking the House’s official rejection of the U.S. Congress bill.