U.S. Mulls Sanctions on 12 Nigerian Governors, Top Officials Over Religious Freedom Concerns

The United States government is reportedly considering sanctions against at least 12 Nigerian governors and several senior 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.

According to diplomatic sources, Washington is reviewing recommendations from the commission to impose visa restrictions, asset freezes, and other punitive measures on Nigerian officials accused of either promoting or turning a blind eye to human rights violations and religious persecution. Those listed are said to include governors from northern and central states, where recurring clashes have been tied to ethnic and religious tensions.

This move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent classification of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” citing ongoing attacks on Christian communities and what he described as insufficient government action. Trump had previously warned that the U.S. could suspend aid or take direct measures if Abuja fails to curb the violence.

American officials reportedly attributed their renewed focus to the continued targeting of churches, displacement of rural populations, and alleged misconduct by Nigerian security operatives in handling religiously motivated violence. If approved, the sanctions could be implemented gradually and may extend to members of the security establishment accused of covering up such incidents.

Reacting to the development, the Nigerian government dismissed the report as biased and politically motivated. 

Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala 

stressed that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens and cautioned against what he termed “external attempts to misrepresent Nigeria’s complex security realities as religious persecution.” He added that the government would issue an official response once the U.S. finalizes its position on the proposed sanctions.