The United States is reportedly considering sanctions against at least 12 Nigerian governors and several senior government officials following their alleged inclusion on a new watchlist compiled by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), also known as the “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) list.
Diplomatic sources revealed that Washington is currently reviewing the commission’s recommendations, which could include visa bans, asset freezes, and other punitive measures targeting officials accused of either promoting or overlooking human rights violations and religious persecution in Nigeria.
Those named are said to include governors from northern and central states — regions that have experienced recurring conflicts tied to ethnic and religious divisions.
This development comes after U.S. President Donald Trump classified Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing repeated attacks on Christian communities and what he described as the government’s inadequate response. Trump had earlier warned that the United States could suspend aid or take direct action if Abuja failed to address religiously motivated violence.
American officials say the renewed focus stems from continued attacks on churches, mass displacement of rural populations, and alleged misconduct by Nigerian security forces in handling religious conflicts. If approved, the sanctions are expected to be rolled out in stages and may extend to members of the security services accused of complicity or cover-ups.
In response, the Nigerian government dismissed the report as biased and politically motivated. Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala emphasized that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens and cautioned against “external attempts to misrepresent Nigeria’s complex security challenges as religious persecution.”
He added that the government would issue a formal statement once the U.S. finalizes its position on the proposed sanctions.
