The United States is reportedly weighing sanctions against at least 12 Nigerian governors and several top officials after their alleged inclusion on a new watchlist compiled by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), also referred to as the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list.
Diplomatic sources say Washington is reviewing the commission’s recommendations, which could include visa restrictions, asset freezes, and other punitive measures targeting Nigerian officials accused of either promoting or ignoring human rights violations and religious persecution.
Those reportedly named include governors from northern and central states, regions frequently affected by clashes linked to ethnic and religious tensions.
The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s classification of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern”, citing repeated attacks on Christian communities and what he described as inadequate government response. Trump had previously warned that the U.S. might suspend aid or take direct action if Abuja failed to address the violence.
American officials said the renewed scrutiny stems from continued attacks on churches, displacement of rural populations, and alleged misconduct by Nigerian security forces in responding to religiously motivated violence. If approved, the sanctions may be applied gradually and could extend to members of the security establishment accused of complicity or cover-ups.
Reacting to the development, 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 what he called “external attempts to misrepresent Nigeria’s complex security realities as religious persecution.”
Bwala added that the government would issue an official response once the U.S. finalizes its position on the proposed sanctions.
