By Abiola Olawale
The House of Representatives on Wednesday condemned a United States congressional bill accusing Nigerian officials of allegedly enabling “systematic” religious killings, particularly against Christians.
Lawmakers branded the legislation a “gross misrepresentation” of the country’s security woes, insisting that violence stems from terrorism and banditry, not state-sponsored persecution.
This position comes in response to a bill introduced in the United States Congress on March 11, 2025.
The resolution seeks to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for allegedly engaging in, and tolerating, systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.
However, the House of Representatives in its resolution spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Hon. Ben Kalu (APC, Abia), described the bill as a “malicious fabrication designed to erode Nigeria’s global standing.”
“This bill is not about justice; it’s a deliberate attempt to undermine our democratic progress and stoke divisions,” he stated during plenary, citing the Nigerian Constitution’s protections for religious freedom under Section 38.
He argued that framing banditry and insurgencies as “religious genocide” ignores their roots in resource disputes, ethnic tensions, and economic despair—issues plaguing all faiths.
Following the debate, the House mandated relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to compile and transmit empirical evidence that counters the claims made in the US bill.
