Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, and for other purposes.

House Resolution

H.Res. 220

119th Congress

Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, and for other purposes.

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 28, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Christopher H. Smith

Representative

Republican

NJ-4

Cosponsors

6

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary

This resolution would express the sense of Congress that Nigeria should be designated as a 'Country of Particular Concern' for its systematic violations of religious freedom. This means Nigeria would face additional scrutiny and potential sanctions for these violations.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution would express the sense of Congress that Nigeria should be designated as a 'Country of Particular Concern' for its systematic violations of religious freedom. This means Nigeria would face additional scrutiny and potential sanctions for these violations.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This resolution recognizes violence against women in politics as a form of gender-based violence.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

The resolution recognizes that religious minorities in Nigeria, such as Christians, face ongoing discrimination, violence, and other violations of their right to freedom of religion.
If adopted, the resolution would send a strong message that Congress believes Nigeria's actions warrant the 'Country of Particular Concern' designation, which could lead to economic and diplomatic penalties.
The resolution also calls for the U.S. government to take further actions to address religious freedom issues in Nigeria, such as imposing sanctions on individuals or entities responsible for abuses.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This resolution, if passed, would primarily impact the Nigerian government, which could face increased pressure and potential consequences from the U.S. government for its treatment of religious minorities. American citizens and organizations with interests in Nigeria, as well as Nigerian religious minorities, could also be affected by any changes in U.S. policy toward Nigeria as a result of this resolution.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Subjects

Crime prevention

Crimes against women

Criminal justice information and records

Public participation and lobbying

Violent crime

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

220, 119th Congress (2025). "Expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, and for other purposes.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hres-220