Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The United States government has commenced enforcement of visa restrictions on individuals implicated in violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
Mark Walker, Principal Advisor for Global Religious Freedom at U.S. State Department, disclosed this in a post on X on Friday, confirming that the policy is already in effect, although he did not name those affected.
“We have already executed this policy and will continue to subject perpetrators to additional scrutiny,” Walker said.
“If you engage in persecution, you are not welcome in America. The United States is safer when we keep those responsible for religious persecution from entering our homeland.”
The visa restriction policy was first announced in December by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
It targets individuals who knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.
According to Rubio, the move forms part of broader U.S. efforts to respond decisively to what he described as “atrocities and violence against Christians” in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
The policy announcement followed a resolution introduced by Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa.
The resolution recommended visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and entities accused of severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
Among those named were the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
In February, U.S. lawmakers also proposed sanctions against Rabiu Kwankwaso, alleging complicity in religious freedom violations.
The latest move signals a tightening of U.S. measures aimed at addressing concerns over religious persecution in Nigeria.
