By Peter Omopo
The United States Congress is considering a new bill aimed at countering alleged Chinese mining operations in Nigeria, as part of broader measures to address religious freedom violations and violent extremism in the country.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced by Representative Riley Moore (R–West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Representative Chris Smith (R–New Jersey).
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Rep. Moore said the bill seeks to impose targeted measures on individuals and entities linked to religious persecution and extremist violence in Nigeria. The proposed sanctions include visa restrictions and asset freezes.
According to the lawmakers, certain illegal mining activities—allegedly involving Chinese operators—have become a significant source of revenue for violent extremist groups. They claimed that some operators pay “protection money” to insurgent factions to guarantee the security of their mining operations.
The bill directs the US Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani militias should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under US law. It also calls for enhanced humanitarian assistance to communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, to be delivered through credible faith-based and non-governmental organisations.
A copy of the bill cited on Wednesday states that individuals and networks—whether domestic or foreign—that provide support to armed Fulani ethnic militias should be investigated and held accountable.
Part of the proposed legislation reads: “The Secretary of State should consider technical support to the Government of Nigeria to reduce and then eliminate violence from armed Fulani militias, including disarmament programs and comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation to rid the region of Foreign Terrorist Organizations that pose a direct threat to the American homeland.
“The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilising practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”
The move comes amid ongoing concerns in Washington over religious freedom violations and insecurity in parts of Nigeria. US lawmakers have in recent months advocated for stronger action against individuals and groups allegedly linked to extremist violence.
If passed, the bill would mandate closer US engagement with Nigerian authorities on counter-terrorism efforts, while also seeking to curb foreign involvement in activities deemed to be contributing to instability in the region.
