The United States House of Representatives has approved a spending bill that could suspend U.S. assistance to Nigeria until the Nigerian government demonstrates measurable progress in protecting Christians from religiously motivated violence.
The legislation, contained in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, aligns with President Donald Trump’s “America First” foreign policy agenda. It was sponsored by Republican Congressman Riley Moore.
Lawmakers also adopted an amendment introduced by Republican Congressman Greg Steube, which seeks to withhold all U.S. aid to Nigeria until the government takes concrete steps to protect Christians and address religious violence across the country.
Announcing the development on X, Steube argued that American taxpayers’ money should not support governments that fail to protect Christians from killings, kidnappings, torture and other forms of persecution.
Speaking on the House floor, Steube accused the Nigerian government of failing to safeguard Christians and other religious minorities from attacks by extremist groups. He alleged that many communities continue to suffer killings, church destruction, abductions and forced displacement.
According to him, the proposal is designed to hold the Nigerian government accountable rather than punish ordinary Nigerians. He maintained that U.S. foreign assistance should only be released after Nigeria records meaningful progress in protecting vulnerable citizens.
Moore also defended the measure, saying it is intended to pressure Nigeria into taking stronger action against persistent attacks on Christian communities, particularly violence linked to armed Fulani groups.
The bill requires Nigeria to demonstrate tangible progress in protecting Christians, combating terrorism and supporting the safe return of internally displaced persons before qualifying for certain U.S. assistance.
Beyond Nigeria, the legislation allocates funding for police training, anti-human trafficking initiatives and tighter oversight of U.S. foreign assistance programmes. It also directs the U.S. State Department to report on efforts to address violence against Christians in Nigeria.
The measure further provides funding to combat ritual killings and organ trafficking across Africa, while including provisions aimed at countering threats from China, Iran, the Taliban and transnational criminal organisations.
The bill has not yet become law. It must still be approved by the U.S. Senate and signed by President Donald Trump before taking effect.
