President Bola Tinubu will visit the United States on Tuesday for high-level talks with the American government over ongoing concerns about religious violence in Nigeria.
The visit comes as US President Donald Trump raised alarms over attacks on Christians in the country and hinted at possible military action.
According to presidential sources, Tinubu’s trip will involve meetings with senior US officials, and Vice President James David Vance is expected to represent Trump during discussions.
The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two nations, particularly on counterterrorism and security matters.
Tinubu’s aides said that both leaders share interests in addressing insurgency and violent extremism.
The Nigerian presidency added that the Trump administration has previously supported Nigeria’s security efforts, including arms sales, which the Tinubu government has utilized in combating terrorism.
Any differing views on the nature of attacks in Nigeria are expected to be addressed during the visit.
The visit follows warnings from Trump that the US might intervene militarily if attacks on Christians do not stop.
The US President also indicated the possibility of halting aid to Nigeria should the situation persist.
The Nigerian government has denied allegations of genocide, stressing that the country’s constitution guarantees religious freedom.
US May Sanction 12 Governors
Twelve Northern governors, senior judges, and influential traditional rulers in Nigeria could face sanctions from the United States over alleged involvement in attacks on Christians and the enforcement of Sharia and blasphemy laws.
According to Punch, the move comes as US lawmakers push for stronger action following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern for religious persecution.
The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 seeks to identify Nigerian officials responsible for promoting or tolerating violence against religious minorities.
Under the bill, the US Secretary of State would submit a report within 90 days naming governors, judges, and monarchs linked to these acts.
Potential sanctions include visa bans, freezing of assets, and financial restrictions under the US Global Magnitsky Human Rights framework.
The concern stems from the expansion of Sharia law in Northern Nigeria since 2000.
Starting with Zamfara State, several northern states incorporated Sharia into criminal and public law, creating parallel courts alongside secular systems.
States affected include Zamfara, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi, Yobe, Kaduna, Niger, and Gombe.
Other states with large Muslim populations, such as Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Adamawa, apply Sharia only in personal matters like marriage and inheritance.
People are just hiding under religion to speak out their minds instead to say they are tired of the government policies
Prophecy of Maj Gideon Gwaza Orkar Coming to Pass! Rest On Prophet Orkar!
Much especially northern Nigeria Christians are dying always because of what ? Trump thanks for the reaction