Lawmakers in the United States are pushing for tougher conditions on financial aid to Nigeria, citing concerns over insecurity and religious violence.
The move came as the US House Appropriations Committee passed new provisions in its annual State Department funding bill for the 2027 fiscal year.
While the proposal does not spell out a fixed amount for Nigeria, it introduces stricter oversight on how any funds allocated to the country will be used.
Under the proposed rules, half of the aid earmarked for Nigeria would be withheld until the US Secretary of State confirms that the government is taking concrete steps to address violence, protect civilians, and hold perpetrators accountable.
The conditions also require support for victims, including internally displaced persons, and efforts to rebuild affected communities.
In addition, Nigeria would be expected to match US funding with its own resources as much as possible.
The bill also emphasises support for programmes aimed at tackling terrorism, strengthening law enforcement, and improving accountability within security agencies.
If approved, Nigeria would be placed on a special watchlist alongside countries such as Pakistan, Iraq, and Ukraine.
This would mean US authorities must notify Congress before releasing funds for any programme in the country.
The proposal follows longstanding concerns in Washington over violence in Nigeria. In 2025, the administration of Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of religious persecution a claim the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied.
One member of the committee criticised the Nigerian government’s handling of insecurity, accusing it of lobbying US officials while failing to adequately address attacks on civilians.
The bill is not yet law. It will still need approval from Congress and the US president before any of the measures can take effect.
