The United States House of Representatives has approved a spending bill that would make part of U.S. assistance to Nigeria conditional on the country’s efforts to protect Christians from religiously motivated violence.
The provision is contained in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act, sponsored by Republican Congressman Riley M. Moore. Under the proposal, 50 percent of U.S. assistance to Nigeria would be withheld until the Nigerian government demonstrates measurable progress in addressing attacks against Christian communities.
Lawmakers also passed a separate amendment introduced by Republican Congressman Greg Steube, seeking to suspend all U.S. aid to Nigeria until the government meets the conditions outlined in the bill.
Announcing the development on X, Steube said the amendment aims to ensure that American taxpayer funds are not provided to governments that fail to protect Christians from abduction, torture and killings.
During debate on the House floor, Steube argued that Nigeria has witnessed persistent violence against Christians and other religious minorities, claiming the government has not done enough to address the security challenges.
He maintained that foreign assistance should be used as leverage to encourage accountability and improve protection for vulnerable populations rather than reward governments that fail to tackle terrorism and religious violence.
Congressman Moore also defended the legislation, saying it is intended to hold the Nigerian government accountable for attacks on Christian communities while strengthening oversight of U.S. foreign assistance.
According to Moore, the bill requires Nigeria to make tangible progress in protecting Christians, addressing security threats linked to armed groups, and facilitating the safe return of internally displaced persons to their communities before certain aid can be released.
The legislation also includes funding for police training and accountability programmes in Nigeria, while directing the U.S. State Department to submit reports to Congress on additional measures needed to curb targeted violence against Christians.
Beyond Nigeria, the bill allocates funding to combat ritual killings and organ trafficking in Africa, strengthens anti-human trafficking initiatives, and expands law enforcement partnerships. It also prioritises efforts to counter threats posed by China, Iran, the Taliban and transnational criminal organisations, while proposing cuts to several climate, diversity, equity and inclusion, and gender-related programmes introduced under the Biden administration.
The measure must still pass through the remaining stages of the U.S. congressional appropriations process, including Senate consideration and presidential approval, before it can become law.
