The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating state of religious freedom in Nigeria.
In a report released over the weekend, the commission criticised the Federal Government for its continued enforcement of blasphemy laws and its tolerance of violence perpetrated by extremist groups against religious communities.
The 2024 Annual Report from USCIRF highlighted ongoing systematic restrictions on freedom of religion or belief across Nigeria.
The report pointed out that several states were using blasphemy laws to prosecute members of various faith-based groups, including Christians, Muslims, and secular humanists.
The commission emphasised that these actions have led to widespread violations of religious freedoms.
“The government also continues to tolerate egregious violence against religious groups by non-state actors, such as the Islamic State-West Africa Province, JAS/Boko Haram, and other extremist groups.
“This violence affects large numbers of Christians and Muslims in several states across Nigeria and targets both religious sites and individuals from religious communities,” the report stated.