The United States House Appropriations Committee has approved a foreign assistance bill that includes restrictions on US aid to Nigeria. This signals a growing concern in Washington over insecurity and accountability in Africa’s most populous nation.
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US withholds half of security aid until Nigeria acts on religious violence
The controversial provisions form part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill. It allocates about $47.32 billion for foreign aid and diplomacy, a reduction of roughly six per cent from the previous year.
Although the legislation does not earmark a specific funding amount for Nigeria, it introduces new restrictions that could significantly affect disbursement.
Under the proposal, the US government will withhold 50 per cent of American assistance allocated to Nigeria. This is until the Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government is taking effective steps to address violence, protect civilians, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Lawmakers linked the measure to persistent attacks attributed to militant groups, including violence affecting religious communities. The bill also requires Nigerian authorities to prioritise support for victims, particularly internally displaced persons.
In addition, the legislation calls for investigations and prosecutions targeting armed groups. It also stipulates that Nigeria must commit matching funds for US-backed programmes, effectively requiring a dollar-for-dollar contribution from its own budget.
“The bill aims to hold foreign governments… accountable for persecuting people of faith. Assistance to Nigeria will remain restricted until measurable actions are taken to protect vulnerable populations,” a committee statement said.
US aid restrictions: Nigeria rejects persecution claims, cites terrorism
The proposed framework also subjects Nigeria to heightened congressional scrutiny. If enacted, the US administration must notify Congress at least 15 days before obligating funds for the country.
However, the broader bill includes several major funding envelopes: $6.89 billion for national security investment programmes. Also $870 million for counter-terrorism and non-proliferation efforts, and $1.66 billion for international narcotics control and law enforcement.
Despite Washington’s tougher stance, the legislation has not yet become law. It must still pass both chambers of Congress and receive the US president’s signature before taking effect.
Nigeria has previously rejected claims that violence in the country stems from religious persecution. It argues instead that it reflects a complex mix of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflict.
Recently, the US President Trump administration has slashed 83 per cent of the US foreign aid policy. This has cut out billions of dollars previously channelled through non-governmental organisations, dealing a devastating blow to the global aid sector.