The administration of President Donald Trump has imposed new visa restrictions on Nigerians alleged to be funding or supporting acts described as genocide against Christians in the country.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, through a post on his official X account. Rubio explained that the policy targets individuals and governments linked to violence or persecution of Christians.
According to him, the United States is taking “decisive action” to address what it perceives as growing atrocities against Christian communities in Nigeria and other parts of the world. The new rules will deny U.S. entry to anyone found to be directing, authorising, financing, or supporting violations of religious freedom.
Rubio added that the restrictions apply not only to Nigerians but to all foreign actors implicated in religious persecution globally.
In response, the Nigerian government firmly rejected the claim that any form of genocide against Christians is taking place. Officials insisted that Nigeria’s security challenges cut across religious lines and affect citizens from various faiths.