US House Backs Proposal to Freeze Nigeria Aid Over Christian Persecution Concerns

The United States House of Representatives has approved a proposal that would suspend all American assistance to Nigeria until the Federal Government demonstrates measurable progress in tackling violence, protecting vulnerable communities, including Christians, and holding perpetrators accountable.

 

The measure was adopted during the consideration of the fiscal 2027 State Department spending bill, which passed the House on Wednesday by a 217-209 vote.

 

The proposal followed an amendment sponsored by Republican Congressman Gregory Steube, increasing the proposed restriction on U.S. assistance to Nigeria from 50 per cent to 100 per cent. The original bill sought to withhold half of the funding until the U.S. Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria has taken effective steps to prevent violence and prosecute offenders.

 

Steube said the amendment was intended to ensure that American taxpayers’ money is not used to support a government he accused of failing to stop attacks against Christians.

 

“My amendment to withhold 100 per cent 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 said.

 

Another Republican lawmaker, Riley Moore, said future U.S. assistance should be tied to measurable progress in protecting Christians, promoting religious freedom, combating terrorism and ensuring accountability for violent attacks.

 

Steube also argued that if existing conditions justified withholding half of U.S. assistance, they equally justified suspending all funding until Nigeria met the required standards.

 

“This is not about punishing the Nigerian people. It is about demanding accountability for their government’s complacency and ensuring that our foreign aid is leveraged to defend, reflect, and uphold American values,” he said.

 

The proposal, however, is yet to become law, as it must be approved by the U.S. Senate and signed by the President before taking effect. As such, it does not immediately affect ongoing U.S. assistance to Nigeria.

 

The development comes after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” in 2025 under the International Religious Freedom Act over allegations of Christian persecution.

 

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected the allegations, maintaining that victims of terrorism and violent attacks in the country include both Christians and Muslims, while reaffirming its commitment to tackling insecurity through ongoing security operations and cooperation with the United States.