Uncertainty Over Safety: America to Reassess Financial Support and Humanitarian Relief for Nigeria

The US government is set to impose stricter conditions on financial aid to Nigeria, with the House Committee on Appropriations proposing a 50 percent reduction in assistance and development funding to the Federal Government due to escalating insecurity and religious violence across the country.

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This move is part of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, 2027, which, if passed, would result in Nigeria losing access to billions of dollars earmarked by Washington for aid and development programs for Fiscal Years 2027 through 2028.

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The bill ties future disbursements to the Nigerian government to measurable security benchmarks, with the legislation mandating that funds can only be obligated for Nigeria through regular notification procedures of the Committees on Appropriations.

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The legislation aligns with President Donald Trump's vision to refocus and realign foreign policy to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous, while ensuring funds are spent consistently with relevant executive orders.

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The bill prohibits funds for the Pandemic and Arms Trade Treaties and prioritizes religious freedom programs abroad and protections for faith-based organizations delivering foreign aid.

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It also states that foreign governments and bad actors will be held 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.

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Officials of Countries of Particular Concern and their immediate family members may face visa restrictions if the Secretary has credible information they were involved in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom.

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The Committee recommended that 50 percent of funds appropriated for assistance to the federal government would be withheld until the Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria is taking effective steps to prevent and respond to violence.

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This certification must include holding perpetrators accountable, prioritizing resources to support victims, and allocating sufficient resources to meet these conditions, with the Nigerian government required to provide a matching amount from its own budget for every dollar the US spends on programs in the country.

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Funds will be redirected to address violence perpetrated by Fulani ethnic militia and other instability in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, with $235 million available from the security sector programs pool.

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The Secretary of State must consult with the Committees on Appropriations on the amount and use of funds for these purposes within 45 days of the enactment of the Act.

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The Committee expressed grave concern over the ongoing violence in Nigeria, describing the continued persecution and slaughter of Christians as horrifying, and called on the Government of Nigeria to protect its citizens and hold perpetrators of violence to account.

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The Committee also expressed support for recommendations to address the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and encouraged the Secretary of State to review these recommendations and provide Congress with information on additional funding and authorities necessary to end the violence.

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Funds will continue to be made available to support religious freedom and atrocity response projects, including through faith-based organizations, to improve local communication, documentation, and distribution of humanitarian assistance for communities impacted by violence.

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The bill prioritizes partnerships with Nigeria under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement to support the professionalization, capacity, and accountability of Nigerian law enforcement institutions.

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An additional $2 million is recommended for atrocity prevention, with a portion directed to address violence perpetrated by Fulani ethnic militias and other instability in the Middle Belt region.