US House Moves to Cut Nigeria Aid Over Religious Violence Concerns

(USA NIGERIA FLAG. Photo Credit: Inside Business)

The United States House of Representatives has approved a proposal to withhold 50 per cent of US assistance to Nigeria until the Nigerian government demonstrates measurable progress in protecting Christian communities from religiously motivated violence.

The decision forms part of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, which allocates $47.32 billion in discretionary spending.

Under the measure, US aid to Nigeria would remain partially suspended until the Secretary of State confirms that Abuja has taken concrete steps to improve security and protect vulnerable religious groups.

The committee report referenced the Palm Sunday massacre, stating that it remains gravely concerned about the ongoing violence in Nigeria, while urging the Nigerian government to hold perpetrators of such attacks accountable.

Congressman Riley M. Moore, who backed the provision, said the measure was intended to address what he described as the persecution of Christians, noting that Christians in Nigeria continue to face horrific violence, killings and persecution while much of the world looks away.

He said the bill sends a clear signal that the United States will continue standing with persecuted Christians globally, particularly in Nigeria.

The legislation also directs funding toward strengthening Nigeria's security sector, including efforts to address attacks linked to Fulani militias in the Middle Belt.

It requires the State Department to assess whether displaced persons are safely returning to their communities and to submit progress reports to Congress within 45 to 60 days on efforts to protect religious freedom.

In addition, lawmakers approved $2 million for atrocity prevention and encouraged stronger collaboration with Nigerian law enforcement agencies to enhance professionalism, accountability and security responses.