USCIRF Releases New Report on Religious Freedom in Nigeria

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report:

Nigeria Country Update – This report provides an update on freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria. Twelve state governments and the federal government enforce blasphemy laws, prosecuting and imprisoning individuals perceived to have insulted religion. There are currently four Muslims incarcerated under blasphemy laws including two religious leaders. Despite efforts to reduce violence by nonstate actors, the government is often unable to prevent or slow to react to violent attacks by Fulani herders, bandit gangs, and insurgent entities such as JAS/Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In its 2025 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” or CPC, for its systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations. In May 2025, USCIRF held a hearing on religious freedom conditions in Nigeria. 

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at media@uscirf.gov.