Ted Cruz Proposes Sanctions On Nigerian Officials Over Sharia, Blasphemy Laws

By ESTHER McWILLIS-IKHIDE

TEXAS senator links legislation to religious persecution; praises Trump’s stance on Nigeria

United States Senator Ted Cruz has announced plans to introduce new legislation targeting Nigerian political and religious officials involved in introducing or enforcing Sharia and blasphemy laws, which he claims are fueling the persecution of Christians in the country.

In a statement released on his official social media account, Cruz — a Republican senator from Texas — said the move is part of a broader push to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for what he described as “systematic violations of religious freedom and human rights.”

“Targeting Those Who Enforce Sharia and Blasphemy Laws”

Senator Cruz stated that the forthcoming bill will impose penalties and restrictions on Nigerian government officials who participate in or promote the enforcement of religious laws that criminalize blasphemy or impose faith-based punishments.

“My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria,” Cruz said. “I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues to advance this bill and implement these necessary measures.”

Cruz argued that such laws have exacerbated the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities, particularly in northern Nigeria, where Sharia law operates alongside the federal legal system.

Support for Trump’s Policy on Nigeria

The Texas senator also commended former U.S. President Donald Trump for designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over religious persecution — a move that could trigger sanctions or restrictions on U.S. aid.

“I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination,” Cruz said. “I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation that will lock in the designation made today.”

He described Trump’s action as a “critical step in holding accountable and changing the behavior of Nigerian officials,” while praising the former president’s “strong leadership” on the issue.

Focus on Human Rights and Accountability

According to Cruz, the proposed legislation seeks to “lock in” Nigeria’s designation under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA), ensuring that future U.S. administrations cannot easily reverse the policy.

The bill will reportedly include provisions for:

• Visa bans and asset freezes on Nigerian officials found complicit in religious persecution;

• Expanded reporting by the U.S. State Department on faith-based rights violations in Nigeria; and

• Enhanced diplomatic engagement to pressure Nigerian authorities to repeal laws that criminalize blasphemy or enforce religious codes.

Background

Nigeria has long been under scrutiny by Western governments and human rights organizations over cases involving religious intolerance and mob violence linked to accusations of blasphemy.

In recent years, incidents such as the 2022 mob killing of Deborah Yakubu, a Christian student accused of blasphemy in Sokoto State, have intensified calls for the abolition of blasphemy laws and reform of religious codes in some northern states.

Human rights observers, however, have cautioned that foreign sanctions or legislative interventions could strain relations between Abuja and Washington, particularly at a time when Nigeria is strengthening its strategic ties with China and other non-Western partners.