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The diplomatic air between Abuja and Washington has turned chilly following a bold move by the U.S. Congress. As of February 2026, a new legislative push led by American lawmakers is demanding that Nigeria repeal its Sharia codes and blasphemy laws as a condition for continued security aid.While the move is framed as a defense of religious freedom, it has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian political landscape, sparking a conversation that many fear could push the nation toward a breaking point.
The Catalyst: The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 Earlier this month, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore and other high-ranking officials formally presented a report to the White House. This followed President Donald Trump’s decision in late 2025 to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).The report’s demands are heavy-hitting:Repeal of Sharia and Blasphemy Laws: Calling for an end to the religious legal codes in 12 Northern states.Sanctions and Funding Freezes: Proposing to withhold U.S. military and economic aid until “demonstrable action” is taken to protect Christian communities.Targeted Visa Bans: Restricting travel for officials perceived as violating religious liberties.
The Nigerian Backlash: A Matter of Sovereignty. The reaction from Nigeria’s “Northern Elites” and legal scholars has been swift and fierce. For many, this isn’t just about religion—it’s about national sovereignty. “Nigeria is not a 51st state of the U.S.,” has become a common refrain across social media and news outlets.Legal experts point out that Sharia is woven into the 1999 Constitution. Forcing its removal would require a constitutional amendment—a process that is nearly impossible without the support of the very Northern states the U.S. is targeting. From a purely legal standpoint, the President cannot simply “delete” Sharia by executive fiat; it would require a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and the consent of 24 State Houses of Assembly.
The “Divide and Rule” Fear
The most potent warning comes from those who fear that Christian support for this U.S. intervention is a “Trojan Horse.” Critics argue:Religious Polarisation: If Christians are seen as inviting foreign powers to dismantle Islamic laws, it could destroy the fragile inter-faith peace held in many parts of the country. Political Instability: President Bola Tinubu faces a nightmare scenario. Pressuring Northern governors to scrap Sharia could trigger a mass defection of Northern leaders from the ruling party, potentially destabilising the entire government.
Security Risks: Some analysts warn that aggressive U.S. interference—including the Christmas 2025 airstrike against the “Lakurawa” group—could embolden extremists and make local Christian communities even bigger targets for retaliation. The Bottom Line: While the U.S. views this as a human rights intervention, many Nigerians see it as a geopolitical overreach that ignores the “complex security and economic factors” driving violence. The concern remains: if the push for “secularisation” is forced from the outside, it may not bring peace, but rather a deeper, more permanent rift in the Nigerian federation.
