The United States has unveiled a new set of visa restrictions aimed at Nigerians alleged to be involved in violations of religious freedom, marking a renewed push by Washington to address concerns over rising sectarian violence in the country.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measures in a post on X yesterday, stating that the restrictions would apply to individuals who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.”
Rubio’s statement followed a congressional roundtable held in Washington, where US lawmakers engaged with international religious freedom advocates and foreign policy experts to deliberate on what they described as intensifying attacks and “targeted persecution” of Christians in Nigeria.
According to the Secretary of State, the new visa policy will not only apply to Nigerian nationals but also to officials, groups, or individuals in other countries implicated in religious oppression. Rubio stressed that the decision was part of America’s broader commitment to defending religious liberty worldwide.
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and across the globe,” Rubio wrote. “The State Department will restrict visas for anyone who participates in or supports violations of religious freedom.”
The recent roundtable forms part of ongoing congressional investigations initiated under directives first issued during the administration of former President Donald Trump.
Last month, Chris Smith, Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, introduced a resolution advocating visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and organisations found culpable in severe abuses of religious freedom in Nigeria. Smith has been one of the most vocal US lawmakers on the issue.
During Tuesday’s session, Smith identified the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as groups of concern. He also proposed that “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states be designated under the “Entities of Particular Concern” (EPC) category of the International Religious Freedom Act.
However, MACBAN pushed back against the allegations and urged US congress to withdraw its visa ban recommendations. The association argued that the resolution failed to distinguish between violent criminal gangs and legitimate pastoralist communities, many of whom it said were also suffering from Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Smith, during the discussions, further accused the Nigerian government of failing to adequately address the alleged religiously motivated attacks, describing the situation as evidence of “complicity” or, at minimum, negligence.
The new visa restrictions represent one of the strongest recent signals from Washington, as pressure mounts for Nigeria to respond more decisively to religiously linked violence and protect vulnerable communities across the country.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
