US House Approves Nigeria Aid Cut

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 (NSRP) Appropriations Bill, which allocates $47.32 billion in discretionary spending. Under the measure, the US aid to Nigeria will 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 highlighted the Palm Sunday massacre and stated it “remains gravely concerned by the ongoing violence in Nigeria.” It also urged the Nigerian government to hold those responsible for attacks accountable.

Congressman Riley M. Moore, who backed the provision, said the move aims to address what he described as the persecution of Christians. “Christians in Nigeria continue to endure horrific violence, murder, and persecution while a majority of the world turns a blind eye to their suffering,” Moore said. “This bill sends a clear message that the United States will continue to stand with persecuted Christians across the globe, especially in Nigeria.”

The legislation also directs funding towards improving 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 people are safely returning to their communities and to submit reports to Congress within 45 to 60 days on progress in protecting religious freedom.

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

Do you think linking foreign aid to human rights and security benchmarks is an effective policy?