US Urges Nigeria to Address Sharia Concerns, Raises Religious Freedom Allegations

The United States has urged Nigeria to do more to protect religious freedom, expressing concerns over the implementation of Sharia law in parts of northern Nigeria. The comments were made during a U.S. Senate hearing on international religious freedom, where lawmakers and witnesses discussed allegations of discrimination against Christians and broader concerns about religious rights in Nigeria.

According to the report, allegations presented at the hearing included claims that some Christians had been arrested for wearing crosses, churches had faced restrictions, and certain state-level Sharia practices infringed on the rights of non-Muslims. These are allegations raised during the hearing and reported by Sahara Reporters; they have not been independently established in the article itself.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected accusations that it pursues anti-Christian policies, maintaining that the country's security challenges affect citizens of different faiths and that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Nigerian officials have also argued that insecurity is driven by terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities rather than official religious persecution.

The renewed scrutiny comes amid ongoing international debate over religious freedom in Nigeria, with U.S. lawmakers calling for stronger protections for vulnerable communities, while Nigerian authorities continue to emphasise national efforts to combat violent extremism and protect all citizens regardless of religion.