A new bill introduced in the United States House of Representatives is seeking stronger cooperation between the US and Nigeria to address illegal mining activities allegedly linked to Chinese operators. The proposed law, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was sponsored by lawmakers including Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga.

The bill directs the US Secretary of State to work closely with the Nigerian government to tackle what it describes as the destabilizing effects of illegal Chinese mining operations. Lawmakers claim that some mining companies may be paying protection fees to armed groups, including certain Fulani militias, which they argue is contributing to violence and insecurity in affected regions.

Under the proposal, the US would offer technical support to Nigeria in areas such as disarmament efforts, counter-terrorism cooperation, and broader security reforms. The legislation also encourages collaboration with international partners like France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom to promote peace and religious freedom. In addition, it calls for a review to determine whether specific militia groups meet the criteria for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

The bill references past media investigations, including a 2023 report by The Times, which raised concerns about possible indirect links between illegal mining activities and militant groups in parts of Nigeria. If eventually passed into law, the measure could mark a significant step in US involvement in Nigeria’s mining sector and security landscape, highlighting wider concerns about governance, regional stability, and foreign influence.