Rights Group Warns US: Sweeping Sanctions Risk Injustice, Instability in Nigeria

Story: written by Springnewsng Media limited February 11,2026
The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT Global), Nigeria Chapter, has expressed reservations over the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 currently under consideration by the United States Congress.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Country Director, Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the organisation acknowledged the importance of protecting religious freedoms but warned that any accountability process must be anchored on fairness, credible evidence and due process.
According to the group, justice should focus on individuals proven to be culpable, rather than placing broad blame on communities or organisations. It cautioned that aspects of the proposed bill, if not carefully handled, could fuel division, stigmatization and long-term instability within Nigeria.
IHRC-RFT noted that Nigeria’s security challenges are deeply rooted in a mix of socio-economic, political and environmental factors, stressing that simplistic or one-sided approaches may worsen existing tensions. The organisation called for balanced, evidence-driven and non-discriminatory solutions.
Referencing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the group underscored the principles of equality before the law, non-discrimination and the right to a fair hearing, insisting that no person or group should be targeted based on ethnicity, religion, identity or association.
The commission further warned that selective sanctions without transparent and comprehensive investigations could create perceptions of bias and political motivation. It also cautioned against broadly labeling entire organisations, saying such actions risk deepening mistrust, encouraging radicalisation and widening social fractures.
Rather than relying solely on external sanctions, IHRC-RFT urged a focus on strengthening Nigeria’s justice institutions, addressing the root causes of conflict, conducting impartial investigations and promoting inclusive national dialogue.
The organisation reaffirmed its stance that individuals found culpable through credible evidence should be held accountable under the rule of law, but stressed that collective stigmatization without due process ultimately weakens justice and undermines lasting peace.