The United States House of Representatives has approved a spending bill that could make future U.S. assistance to Nigeria dependent on the country’s progress in protecting Christians from religiously motivated violence.
The provision is included in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act, sponsored by Republican Congressman Riley M. Moore. The proposal is intended to align with President Donald Trump’s foreign policy priorities.
In addition, the House adopted an amendment introduced by Republican Congressman Greg Steube, seeking to suspend all U.S. assistance to Nigeria until the Nigerian government demonstrates measurable progress in addressing religious violence and improving the protection of Christian communities.
Speaking after the vote, Steube said American financial assistance should be tied to accountability, arguing that governments receiving U.S. aid must take meaningful action to safeguard vulnerable populations and combat extremist violence.
During debate on the House floor, he alleged that Nigeria has failed to adequately protect Christians and other religious minorities from attacks by extremist groups, calling for stronger action before U.S. funds are released.
Congressman Moore also defended the legislation, saying it is designed to increase oversight of American foreign assistance while encouraging greater efforts to improve security and protect communities affected by violence.
According to him, the bill links U.S. support to measurable progress in addressing attacks on Christian communities, assisting internally displaced persons in returning to their communities and strengthening security efforts.
The proposed legislation also includes funding for police training, accountability programmes, anti-human trafficking initiatives and efforts to combat ritual killings and organ trafficking across Africa.
In addition, it directs the U.S. State Department to provide Congress and the President with reports on further measures that could help reduce targeted violence against Christians in Nigeria.
Beyond Nigeria, the bill outlines broader U.S. foreign policy priorities, including countering threats from China, Iran, the Taliban and transnational criminal organisations, while proposing the removal of funding for several climate, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and gender-related programmes introduced under the previous administration.
The legislation will now move to the next stages of the U.S. congressional process before it can become law.
