United States Senator Ted Cruz has vowed to pursue legislation targeting the use of Sharia and blasphemy laws in Nigeria, following Washington's decision to place the country back on the list of countries accused of violating religious freedom.
The move comes after US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria had been re-designated as a “country of particular concern”, a label reserved for countries that the US says engage in or tolerate serious abuses of religious freedom.
Also read: Nigerians called for caution in response to Trump's Christian genocide claim
Cruz, a Republican representing Texas, said the move is in line with his long-standing campaign to protect Christians facing persecution around the world.
“I am very grateful to President Trump for making this decision,” Cruz said in a statement published on his official website. “I have fought for years to combat the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year have introduced legislation that would lock in the designation made today.”
According to Cruz, the proposed bill would impose sanctions and accountability measures on Nigerian officials who support or enforce blasphemy or Sharia laws. “Today's designation is an important step toward holding accountable and changing the behavior of those Nigerian officials who have fueled and facilitated outrage in Nigeria,” he said.
Also read: FG rejects Trump's claim of genocide against Christians in Nigeria'
The comments come amid renewed criticism of Nigeria's record on religious freedom. Rights groups have long accused the country's authorities of turning a blind eye to attacks against Christians in some northern states, where Islamic law is followed along with the secular code.
Trump, who made the announcement on his Truth social platform, claimed that “Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria,” alleging that “thousands of Christians are being killed” by “radical Islamists.”
He said he had instructed some Republican lawmakers, including Representatives Riley Moore of West Virginia and Tom Cole of Oklahoma, to investigate the killings and present a report to Congress.
Trump said, “America cannot remain silent when these atrocities are taking place in Nigeria.” “We are ready, willing and able to save our great Christian population throughout the world.”
Also read: Tinubu tells Trump: Nigeria stands strong as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantee of religious freedom
The redesign marks a sharp shift in US policy. Nigeria was first added to the “countries of particular concern” list in 2020 under Trump’s administration, but was removed a year later by his successor, Joe Biden — a move that was criticized by religious advocacy groups.
