By Ghazali Ibrahim
The United States has begun implementing visa restrictions targeting individuals accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria.
Mark Walker, the US Principal Adviser for Global Religious Freedom, confirmed the development in a post on X on Friday, noting that the policy is already in effect.
While he did not disclose the names of affected individuals or groups, he said the US would continue to apply additional scrutiny to those involved in religious persecution.
“We have already executed on this policy, and we will continue to subject perpetrators to additional scrutiny,” Walker said.
“If you engage in persecution, you are not welcome in America. The United States is safer when we keep those responsible for religious persecution from entering our homeland.”
The visa ban policy was first announced in December by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to Rubio, the measure targets individuals who knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or participate in severe violations of religious freedom.
He said the policy forms part of Washington’s response to “atrocities and violence against Christians” in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
The move followed growing concern in Washington over religious violence in Nigeria. In November, Chris Smith, chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, introduced a resolution urging visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and organisations implicated in religious freedom violations. The resolution specifically named the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as groups of concern.
In February, US lawmakers also pushed for sanctions against former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, alleging complicity in religious freedom violations.
The enforcement of the visa ban signals a tougher stance by the US government as it seeks to pressure perpetrators and discourage further violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
