The United States Lawmakers , House Appropriations Committee has proposed new conditions for financial assistance to Nigeria, making part of the funding contingent on the country’s response to ongoing violence.
The bill, which outlines US spending on national security, the State Department, and related programmes for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, includes provisions affecting aid to African countries, including Nigeria.
Under the proposal, less than 15% of a $6.89 billion allocation would go toward national security investment programmes in Africa. It also earmarks $205 million for democracy initiatives and $5 billion for international humanitarian assistance, while $870 million is designated for anti-terrorism efforts.
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A key clause in the legislation targets Nigeria directly, stating that 50% of funds allocated to the country would be withheld until the United States Department of State certifies that the Nigerian government is taking concrete steps to address violence and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
The bill specifies that Nigeria must demonstrate efforts to “prevent and respond to violence and hold perpetrators accountable,” support victims—including internally displaced persons—and facilitate the safe return and rebuilding of affected communities.
It also calls for adequate resource allocation by the government to address these challenges, alongside a requirement for the Secretary of State to submit a detailed plan for how funds to Nigeria will be utilised.
Additionally, the proposed funding is expected to support initiatives focused on religious freedom and the investigation and prosecution of violence linked to armed groups, including militias, extremist organisations, and criminal gangs.
Reacting to the development, Riley Moore alleged that the administration of Bola Tinubu is spending heavily on lobbying efforts in Washington while failing to sufficiently address attacks affecting Christian communities.
“The US will not turn a blind eye to the brutal persecution of our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ,” Moore said in a series of posts on X.
The total amount earmarked specifically for Nigeria was not disclosed in the bill, which is still subject to legislative approval.
A copy of the bill can be seen here.
