US House passes bill to cut aid to Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US House of Representatives has passed a spending bill that will cut foreign aid to Nigeria. This decision comes over claims of targeted violence against Christians and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

On Wednesday, the House voted 217-209 in favor of the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act for the 2027 fiscal year.

This bill includes a clause to stop all foreign aid to Nigeria. This will only change if the US can confirm that the Nigerian government is taking real steps to protect Christians from violence.

The bill states, "holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith" is necessary. It also mentions, "restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence."

Another goal of the bill is to support "religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organisations delivering foreign aid."

Riley Moore and other Republican lawmakers, including Jeff Steube from Florida, pushed this measure. The bill first came to the House in April. Mr. Steube shared the news of the bill's passage on his official X account, stating, "American taxpayers should NEVER bankroll governments that turn a blind eye while Christians are abducted, tortured, and murdered."

Mr. Moore has previously accused the Nigerian government of committing genocide against Christians. He urged for the language in the FY2027 NSRP Appropriations Act to limit aid to Nigeria. He claimed that "not enough has been done against Fulani Islamist terrorists in the Middle Belt."

He explained that the provision offered assistance to the Nigerian government, but only if they improved the safety of Christians. He said this was part of the Trump administration’s plan to help Nigeria defend Christians while holding President Tinubu’s government responsible if they fail.

At first, the bill aimed to cut 50 percent of US aid. But Mr. Steube suggested an amendment to completely stop all foreign assistance to Nigeria. He argued that cutting only 50 percent seemed to reward the Nigerian government for not protecting its citizens.

The House accepted this amendment.

In the early days of his presidency, Donald Trump paused foreign aid and closed USAID, but he still allocated some funds to Nigeria. This funding was mainly for counter-terrorism efforts and support for victims of violence.

For example, in January, the US gave $413.046 million for counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria and other African nations for the year. Just weeks later, the US sent "critical military supplies" to Nigeria.

PREMIUM TIMES has reported on the security cooperation between Nigeria and the US, especially after Nigeria was labeled a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to accusations of Christian genocide, which the Nigerian government and various rights groups have denied. They say the violence affects people of all faiths.

In recent months, both countries have worked together successfully. One operation led to the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a top commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The US has also stated it received important terrorist intelligence from Nigeria, which is still being examined.

Some Nigerians and organizations have faced accusations and sanctions for financing terrorism. One such person is Mukhtar Adamu, a bureau de change operator in Lagos. He allegedly helped ISIS through his businesses.

The bill that passed in the US House still needs Senate approval and President Trump's signature to become law.