The United States has begun enforcing visa restrictions against individuals in Nigeria accused of violating religious freedom.
The development was announced by Mark Walker, the US Principal Adviser for Global Religious Freedom, who stated that the policy is already being implemented. He made this known in a post shared on X on Friday.
According to Walker, those linked to acts of religious persecution will undergo stricter screening and may be denied entry into the United States.
He emphasized that the US government is committed to preventing individuals accused of such violations from gaining access to the country, adding that those involved in religious persecution are not welcome.
The policy was first introduced in December by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He explained that the restrictions are aimed at individuals who knowingly direct, fund, support, or carry out actions that undermine religious freedom.
Rubio noted that the move is part of efforts to address violence against Christians in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
The decision followed a resolution by Chris Smith, chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, who called for visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and organisations accused of serious religious rights abuses.
The resolution specifically mentioned the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as groups allegedly connected to such violations.
In February, some US lawmakers also proposed sanctions against former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over alleged involvement in religious freedom violations.
However, Walker did not reveal the names of those currently affected by the visa restrictions.
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