The United States government is considering stricter conditions on financial assistance to Nigeria, with the House Committee on Appropriations recommending a 50 percent reduction in aid and development support due to rising insecurity and religious violence.
If approved, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, 2027, could see Nigeria lose access to billions of dollars allocated for development programmes between fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
The proposed legislation ties future US funding to measurable security benchmarks. It states that funds allocated under key sections of the bill cannot be released to Nigeria without following standard notification procedures and meeting specific conditions.
Under the proposal, 50 percent of assistance to the Nigerian government would be withheld until the US Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria is taking concrete steps to address violence. These include preventing attacks, prosecuting offenders, supporting victims such as internally displaced persons, facilitating the safe return of affected communities, and committing adequate domestic resources.
The bill also recommends that Nigeria provide matching funds for US supported programmes, ensuring shared responsibility in addressing security and humanitarian challenges.
While general aid may be reduced, the committee directed that part of a 235 million dollar security fund be allocated to address violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, including attacks linked to armed groups. The Secretary of State is expected to consult Congress within 45 days of the bill’s enactment on how these funds will be used.
Lawmakers expressed deep concern over ongoing violence, including attacks on religious communities, and urged the Nigerian government to strengthen protection for citizens and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
The proposal also emphasises support for religious freedom initiatives and humanitarian programmes, particularly those implemented through faith based organisations working in affected communities.
In addition, the bill prioritises continued collaboration with Nigeria on law enforcement reform under international narcotics control and security programmes, aimed at improving professionalism, capacity, and accountability within the country’s policing institutions.
An extra two million dollars has also been proposed for atrocity prevention efforts, with part of the funding targeted at addressing instability and violence in vulnerable regions.
The proposed measures reflect a shift in US foreign policy priorities, linking financial assistance more directly to governance, security performance, and human rights conditions in recipient countries.
