The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment seeking to withhold 100 per cent of U.S. assistance to Nigeria until the Federal Government takes what it describes as effective steps to address violence against Christians and other religious minorities.
The amendment, sponsored by Republican Congressman Greg Steube of Florida, increases the previously proposed aid-withholding threshold from 50 per cent to 100 per cent. Steube said the measure was intended to hold the Nigerian government accountable for protecting citizens from religious violence and terrorism.
According to the lawmaker, withholding only part of the assistance would amount to rewarding the Nigerian government despite what he described as its failure to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to protect vulnerable communities. The amendment was adopted by voice vote and attached to the House’s fiscal year 2027 State Department appropriations bill.
The proposal stipulates that the restriction would remain in place until the U.S. Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria has taken effective measures to prevent and respond to religious violence and hold perpetrators accountable. The amendment forms part of broader congressional efforts to scrutinise religious freedom and security conditions in Nigeria.
The measure must still progress through the U.S. legislative process before becoming law, including consideration by the Senate and any subsequent reconciliation with the House version of the appropriations bill.
