The United States has begun enforcing visa restrictions on individuals accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria, signaling a tougher posture from Washington over allegations of persecution.
U.S Principal Adviser for global religious freedom, Mark Walker, confirmed that the policy, first announced in December by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio is now being implemented, targeting individuals who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom”.
Rubio had framed the measure as part of what he described as decisive action against “atrocities and violence against Christians” both in Nigeria and globally. The policy allows the US State Department to deny entry to individuals suspected of involvement in religious persecution, thereby restricting their access to American visas and potentially exposing them to further scrutiny.
The move followed pressure from members of the US Congress, including Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, who introduced a resolution recommending visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and entities linked to severe religious freedom violations in Nigeria. The resolution specifically mentioned the Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti-Allah Kautal-Hore’, as organisations of concern.
In a post on 𝕏, Walker indicated that enforcement had already begun, though he did not disclose the identities of those affected. “We have already executed this policy; and we will continue to subject perpetrators to additional scrutiny”, he said, adding that individuals involved in religious persecution would not be welcomed into the United States.
Recall that in February, US lawmakers also proposed sanctions against Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, alleging complicity in violations of religious freedom, further underscoring growing political pressure in Washington for stronger measures tied to Nigeria’s internal security and religious tensions.
