US launches $3.5m initiative to track religious freedom violations in Nigeria

The United States Department of State has unveiled a $3.5 million (about N5 billion) programme aimed at strengthening the monitoring, documentation and reporting of religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The initiative, announced through the Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF) under the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, seeks to support organisations working to improve accountability for attacks and abuses linked to religion and belief across the country.

According to a Notice of Funding Opportunity released on May 22, 2026, the programme will support projects lasting between two and four years, with one successful applicant expected to receive the award through either a grant or cooperative agreement.

The US government said the initiative is designed to improve the collection of evidence on religious freedom abuses allegedly committed by both state and non-state actors.

“The Office of International Religious Freedom announces an open competition for organisations interested in submitting applications for projects that improve documentation and reporting efforts on religious freedom abuses in Nigeria, for accountability, advocacy and memorialisation,” the notice stated.

The State Department noted that various stakeholders, including human rights advocates, religious leaders, journalists, academics and survivors, have documented violence carried out by insurgent and armed groups operating in different parts of Nigeria.

It specifically cited attacks linked to Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Fulani ethnic militias and other armed actors, saying both Christians and Muslims have been affected by the violence.

According to the notice, available evidence points to widespread attacks, killings and displacement of communities in several regions of the country.

The document also criticised what it described as inadequate responses by Nigerian authorities to attacks targeting civilians and faith communities.

It alleged that delays and failures in responding to such incidents have contributed to a culture of impunity, enabling further violence and displacement.

In addition, the State Department referenced reports alleging misconduct by some members of Nigeria’s security forces during operations in places of worship.

“There are also credible reports of Nigerian security personnel raiding places of worship and injuring clergy and congregants in search of alleged criminals,” the notice stated.

The funding initiative follows the decision of President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over issues relating to religious freedom.

According to the State Department, the designation highlighted what it described as persistent and worsening concerns surrounding religious liberty in the country.

Under the programme, applicants are expected to develop projects that enhance monitoring, documentation and reporting of religious freedom abuses while promoting accountability for perpetrators.

Priority will be given to projects focusing on Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, with applicants required to identify at least four states where programme activities will be implemented.

The funding opportunity is open to both American and foreign non-profit organisations, public international organisations, academic institutions and private entities, although the department indicated a preference for non-profit organisations.

Applications for the programme will close on July 9, 2026.

Nigeria was designated a Country of Particular Concern by the US government in November 2025 over allegations of religious persecution, particularly against Christians.

The Federal Government has consistently rejected such claims, maintaining that insecurity in the country affects citizens irrespective of their religious affiliation. Abuja has also reiterated its commitment to working with the United States on security reforms and counterterrorism efforts.