The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment seeking to withhold 100 per cent of US assistance to Nigeria until the country meets specific conditions aimed at addressing violence and protecting Christian communities.
The amendment, approved by a voice vote on Wednesday, was added to the fiscal year 2027 State Department appropriations bill, which the House later passed by 217 votes to 209.
Announcing the development on X, Congressman Greg Steube said the amendment would prevent US assistance to Nigeria until the government takes stronger action against attacks on Christians.
“My amendment to withhold 100% of U.S. aid to Nigeria until its government stops the slaughter of Christians has passed. American taxpayers should never bankroll governments that turn a blind eye while Christians are abducted, tortured and murdered,” he wrote.
The original bill proposed withholding 50 per cent of funds allocated to Nigeria until the US Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government has taken effective steps to prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
Steube’s amendment increases the proposed withholding from 50 per cent to 100 per cent while retaining the same certification requirements.
Speaking on the House floor, the congressman argued that Nigeria has experienced persistent violence that the government has failed to adequately address.
He said the amendment strengthens accountability without introducing new conditions, insisting that foreign aid should not reward governments that fail to protect their citizens.
Steube also questioned continued US financial support for Nigeria, citing America’s growing national debt.
The amendment must still be approved by the US Senate and signed into law by the president before it can take effect. As such, Wednesday’s vote does not immediately alter US assistance to Nigeria.
The development comes after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in 2025 over allegations of religious persecution. It also follows heightened tensions between both countries after a reported US missile strike on Nigerian territory on Christmas Day.
Despite those tensions, Nigeria and the United States have since strengthened security cooperation aimed at combating terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria.
