US Senator Ted Cruz Pushes Sanctions Bill Against Enforcers Of Sharia, Blasphemy Laws In Nigeria
By ANITA KNIGHT
A United States senator, Ted Cruz, has introduced a bill seeking to impose sanctions on individuals and government officials accused of enforcing blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria. The move follows allegations of systematic persecution of Christians and growing religious intolerance across parts of the country.
In a statement released on Friday, Cruz said the legislation aims to reinforce the U.S. government’s commitment to protecting religious freedom and to hold accountable those “responsible for fostering an environment of violence and discrimination.”
The Texas Republican lawmaker announced the proposal shortly after former President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” — a label reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious liberty.
“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.”
Targeting Officials Linked to Religious Persecution
Cruz explained that the proposed bill will empower Washington to sanction Nigerian officials and institutions allegedly complicit in enforcing or enabling religiously motivated violence.
“Today’s designation is a critical step in holding accountable and changing the behaviour of Nigerian officials who have facilitated and created an environment conducive to the outrages in Nigeria,” he said.
“My legislation implements additional steps, including targeting those who implement blasphemy and Sharia laws in Nigeria.”
The senator pledged to work with both the U.S. administration and Congress to advance the bill, which he described as a “necessary measure” to protect religious minorities.
He also commended Trump’s administration for what he called “strong leadership” in prioritising global religious freedom.
“Today’s decision by President Trump is a great one, and I thank him for his strong leadership,” Cruz added.
Trump’s Warning on Attacks Against Christians
Former President Trump, who made the “country of particular concern” designation, accused radical Islamist groups of targeting and killing thousands of Christians in Nigeria.
He described the violence as a “growing threat to Christianity” and urged swift international intervention.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” Trump said, calling for investigations and stronger policy responses.
Nigeria Denies Claims of ‘Christian Genocide’
In response, both the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Presidency rejected the allegations of a Christian genocide.
CAN dismissed the reports as “false narratives” driven by foreign actors seeking to destabilise the country, while the Presidency maintained that Nigeria is not experiencing a religious war, but rather “isolated incidents of criminality and terrorism” that affect people of all faiths.
“There is no religious war in Nigeria,” the Presidency stated, insisting that the government is committed to protecting the rights and safety of all citizens regardless of religion.
Context: Longstanding International Concern
Nigeria has faced recurring criticism from international human rights groups and Western governments over religious intolerance, mob killings over blasphemy allegations, and sectarian violence.
Several high-profile cases — including the lynching of students accused of blasphemy and the imprisonment of individuals under Sharia statutes — have attracted global outrage.
If passed, Cruz’s bill would mark one of the toughest U.S. policy responses yet toward Nigeria on religious freedom issues, potentially affecting diplomatic relations between the two nations.
