US Lawmakers Move to Sanction 12 Nigerian Governors Over Alleged Christian Persecution.

According to a report by The Punch on Monday, November 3, 2025, a major diplomatic clash is brewing between Nigeria and the United States as the US Congress considers a bill that could impose sanctions on 12 northern governors, judges, and traditional rulers accused of complicity in religious persecution.

The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, follows President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged Christian genocide.

The bill seeks visa bans, asset freezes, and financial restrictions on officials enforcing or tolerating Sharia or blasphemy laws under the Global Magnitsky framework.

Trump claimed thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria, directing the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to act “without delay.” He warned of possible military intervention if the killings persist, saying the US could go “guns-a-blazing” against Islamic terrorists.

Nigeria’s Federal Government rejected the allegations, asserting that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits any state religion. It clarified that Sharia applies only to Muslims in certain northern states and is subject to constitutional review.

Foreign affairs experts warn the crisis could damage bilateral relations, reduce US aid, and affect arms deals vital to Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

Former ambassador Mohammed Mabdul said the CPC tag would “weaken diplomatic cooperation,” while ex–Foreign Ministry spokesman Ogbole Amedu-Ode urged the government to protect citizens’ rights and rebuild global trust.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to meet Trump soon to clarify Nigeria’s stance and strengthen security ties amid rising global scrutiny.

"Nigeria Needs $1.2 billion to Achieve Gender Equality Targets" — Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has revealed that the country requires $1.2 billion over the next five years to bridge its financing gap and meet national gender equality and social inclusion targets.

Speaking in Abuja during the annual general meeting and founder’s day celebration of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), the minister emphasised that closing the gap demands “bold partnerships and investment in women’s advancement.”

Represented by her special adviser, Ola Erinfolami, Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the federal government is exploring blended finance models, public-private partnerships, and impact investments to fund programmes that support women, children, and families.

On the Reserved Seats Bill, she commended the National Assembly for backing efforts to increase women’s political participation, describing it as a “strategic investment in democracy and national progress.”

The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, also endorsed the bill, urging lawmakers across all levels to pass it for more inclusive governance.

Similarly, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum represented by Hauwa Halira called for mobilising broad support to ensure women’s full political inclusion before the 2027 general elections.

In their remarks, NILOWV founder Esther Udehi and President Irene Awunah-Ikyegh urged grassroots advocacy to boost understanding of the Reserved Seats Bill, while Aishatu Bura, President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), stressed the media’s vital role in amplifying women’s voices and driving inclusive discourse.

FG Knocks US Embassy for Overstepping Bounds, Intruding in Internal Affairs.

Officials of the Federal Government has accused the United States Embassy in Nigeria of overstepping its diplomatic bounds and interfering in the country’s internal affairs, following the circulation of a critical media report targeting Nigerian leaders.

Government officials expressed outrage over the U.S. Mission’s alleged role in promoting an article published by The Africa Report, which criticised state governors for lavish spending on new government buildings in Oyo and Gombe States.

The report, it is understood, drew backlash in Abuja, with senior sources accusing the U.S. Embassy of encouraging a “smear campaign” under the guise of press freedom.

“The embassy’s actions are not only inappropriate but violate diplomatic norms,” a senior government official told reporters. “They have crossed the line into political interference.”

The Federal Government defended the governors mentioned in the article, describing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe as models of fiscal discipline. Officials said both governors have maintained responsible budgeting, improved public services, and met workers’ salaries regularly.

Sources also alleged that the article was influenced by personal motives. According to them, the publisher of The Africa Report had earlier approached the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for sponsorship of an “Africa Roundtable” event but was turned down. The rejection, officials claim, led to strained relations and eventual negative coverage — now reportedly circulated by the U.S. Embassy.

“This isn’t journalism. It’s retaliation disguised as reporting, and the U.S. Mission’s role in spreading it is unacceptable,” a government source said.

The government pointed to Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which bars foreign missions from interfering in the domestic affairs of host countries. Officials say the U.S. Embassy’s recent actions clearly violate this principle.