US House Approves Amendment to Suspend All Aid to Nigeria Pending Protection of Christians

The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment that would suspend all U.S. assistance to Nigeria until the Nigerian government demonstrates measurable progress in protecting Christians and tackling religiously motivated violence.

The amendment, sponsored by Republican Congressman Greg Steube, was adopted as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act. It strengthens an earlier provision introduced by Congressman Riley M. Moore, which proposed withholding 50 percent of U.S. aid to Nigeria unless the country showed significant improvements in safeguarding Christian communities.

Following the vote, Steube said American taxpayers should not fund governments that fail to protect citizens from religious persecution, alleging that Christians in Nigeria continue to face abductions, killings, torture, and attacks by extremist groups.

Speaking on the House floor, Steube argued that the Nigerian government has not done enough to address violence against Christians and other religious minorities. He maintained that withholding U.S. assistance is intended to encourage accountability rather than punish the Nigerian people.

Congressman Moore also defended the legislation, saying it is designed to ensure U.S. foreign assistance supports governments that protect human rights and religious freedom. He added that the bill requires Nigeria to make tangible progress in protecting Christian communities, addressing insecurity, and supporting the safe return of displaced persons before aid can be restored.

In addition to the aid conditions, the legislation includes funding for police training, anti-human trafficking initiatives, and stronger oversight of U.S. assistance programs in Nigeria. It also calls for regular reports to Congress on efforts to address religious violence in the country.

The appropriations bill must still pass the remaining stages of the U.S. legislative process before it can become law. If enacted, the measure could have significant implications for U.S.-Nigeria diplomatic relations and future American assistance to Nigeria.

• Tweet
• Share
• Share
• Share
• Share