The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a proposal that would make American assistance to Nigeria conditional on the Federal Government taking stronger action to address insecurity and protect vulnerable communities, including Christians.
According to Punch, the measure was included in the fiscal 2027 State Department appropriations bill, which passed the House by a 217-209 vote. An amendment sponsored by Republican Congressman Gregory Steube raised the proposed restriction from withholding 50 percent of U.S. assistance to 100 percent until Nigeria meets the conditions set out in the legislation.
“This is not about punishing the Nigerian people,” Steube said, adding that the measure is intended to promote greater accountability and meaningful action against insecurity, terrorism and attacks on religious communities.
The proposal requires the U.S. Secretary of State to certify that Nigeria has taken effective steps to prevent violence, protect affected communities and hold perpetrators accountable before assistance can be released.
Republican Congressman Riley Moore said the proposal aims to encourage measurable progress in protecting religious freedom, combating terrorism and strengthening accountability. The measure must still pass the U.S. Senate and be signed by the U.S. President before becoming law. The Nigerian government has rejected allegations of targeted Christian persecution, stating that both Christians and Muslims have suffered attacks by terrorist groups.
