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The US government is moving to place stricter conditions on financial assistance to Nigeria, with the House Committee on Appropriations recommending a 50 percent cut in aid and developmental assistance to the Federal Government over escalating insecurity and religious violence.
If passed into law, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, 2027, would see Nigeria lose access to billions of dollars already earmarked by Washington for fiscal years 2027 through 2028. The bill ties future disbursements to measurable security benchmarks.
Under country notification requirements, the legislation mandates that no funds appropriated under titles III through VI may be obligated for Nigeria except through the regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations. This alignment they say, reflects President Donald Trump’s vision to realign foreign policy to ensure funds are spent consistent with national interests and relevant executive orders.
The legislation prohibits funds for the Pandemic and Arms Trade Treaties while prioritizing religious freedom programs abroad and protections for faith-based organizations. According to the bill, it “holds foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith, including by restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence.”
The Committee recommended that 50 percent of funds appropriated for the federal government be withheld until the Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria is taking effective steps to prevent and respond to violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and prioritize resources for victims and internally displaced persons.
Furthermore, the report recommends a “matching fund” requirement, stating the Nigerian government must provide an amount from its own budget equal to every dollar the US spends on local programs.
While moving to restrict general aid, the Committee directed that funds from the $235 million security sector programs pool be made available to address violence perpetrated by Fulani ethnic militia and other sources of instability in the Middle Belt region. The Secretary of State must consult with the Committees on Appropriations regarding the use of these funds within 45 days of the Act’s enactment.
The Committee expressed grave concern over the “persecution and slaughter” of Christians, citing events like the Palm Sunday massacre as horrifying. “The Committee calls upon the Government of Nigeria to protect their citizens and hold perpetrators of violence to account,” the report stated.
The Committee directed that funds continue to be made available for religious freedom and atrocity response projects, particularly through faith-based organizations (FBOs) in affected communities.
These projects aim to improve local communication, documentation, and the distribution of humanitarian assistance in Benue State and other areas impacted by violent extremism.
Additionally, the bill prioritizes partnerships under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement to support the capacity and accountability of Nigerian law enforcement. It also recommends an additional $2 million for atrocity prevention, specifically directed toward addressing instability in the Middle Belt.
