US House Backs 50% Reduction in Aid to Nigeria Over Religious Violence Concerns
The United States House of Representatives has approved legislation that would reduce certain U.S. assistance to Nigeria by 50 percent unless the Nigerian government takes measurable steps to protect Christian communities affected by religiously motivated violence.
The provision is contained in the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Bill, which was passed by the House as part of the U.S. budget process. Under the measure, half of the assistance allocated to Nigeria would be withheld until the U.S. Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government has made measurable progress in protecting Christian communities and holding perpetrators of religious violence accountable.
According to the committee report accompanying the bill, lawmakers expressed concern over persistent violence in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region. The report referenced recent attacks, including the Palm Sunday massacre, and called on the Federal Government to take stronger action to improve security and ensure justice for victims.
Republican Congressman Riley M. Moore, who championed the provision, said the measure was intended to pressure Nigerian authorities to address what he described as the ongoing persecution of Christians. He argued that U.S. foreign assistance should be tied to clear improvements in religious freedom and the protection of vulnerable communities.
The legislation also includes $2 million in funding aimed at supporting efforts to reduce violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Lawmakers said the funding would be directed toward initiatives intended to improve security and assist communities affected by recurring attacks.
The bill, however, has not yet become law. Under the U.S. legislative process, it must still be approved by the Senate, reconciled if necessary, and signed by the President before its provisions can take effect. As a result, the proposed reduction in aid has not yet been implemented.
The proposal comes amid continued debate in Washington over U.S. foreign assistance and religious freedom. Some American lawmakers have argued that stronger conditions should be attached to aid provided to countries where concerns over human rights and religious violence persist.
Nigerian authorities have consistently maintained that insecurity in the country affects people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds, stressing that security agencies are working to combat terrorism, banditry and communal violence across the country. Government officials have previously rejected claims that violence is targeted exclusively at Christians, noting that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of attacks by terrorist and criminal groups.
The development has attracted attention in both Nigeria and the United States, with analysts suggesting it could influence future diplomatic discussions between the two countries. Nigeria and the U.S. have maintained longstanding bilateral relations in areas including security, trade, healthcare and counterterrorism cooperation.
Observers say the outcome of the legislative process will be closely monitored, as any final decision could have implications for future U.S. assistance programmes in Nigeria. The Senate’s consideration of the bill and any subsequent negotiations will determine whether the proposed aid restrictions remain in the final legislation.
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