The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a measure that would make American assistance to Nigeria conditional on the Federal Government taking concrete steps to address violence and improve the protection of vulnerable communities, including Christians.
According to Punch, the provision was included in the fiscal 2027 State Department spending bill, which passed the House by a 217-209 vote. An amendment sponsored by Republican Congressman Gregory Steube increased the proposed restriction from withholding 50 percent of U.S. assistance to 100 percent until Nigeria meets the bill’s conditions.
“Nigeria has faced a horrific wave of violence that its corrupt government has failed to address,” Steube said, arguing that U.S. aid should depend on measurable progress in tackling insecurity and ensuring accountability.
The legislation requires the U.S. Secretary of State to certify that Nigeria has taken effective action to prevent violence, protect affected communities and hold perpetrators accountable before assistance can be released.
Republican Congressman Riley Moore said the proposal aims to promote religious freedom, combat terrorism and strengthen accountability. The measure must still pass the U.S. Senate and be signed by the President before becoming law. The Nigerian government has rejected allegations of Christian persecution, maintaining that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorist attacks.
