US House Approves Amendment to Withhold 100% of Aid to Nigeria Over Security and Religious Violence Concerns

The United States House of Representatives has voted to strengthen proposed restrictions on US assistance to Nigeria, approving an amendment that would withhold 100 percent of certain aid until the Nigerian government demonstrates meaningful progress in tackling insecurity and protecting its citizens.

The amendment, introduced by Representative Gregory Steube of Florida’s 17th Congressional District, was adopted by a voice vote on Wednesday. It revises an earlier proposal that sought to withhold 50 percent of appropriated funds pending improvements in Nigeria’s response to violence.

Under the approved amendment, all affected US assistance would remain suspended until the US Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria has taken effective measures to prevent violence, protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators accountable.

Speaking on the House floor, Steube argued that withholding only half of the funding would send the wrong message, saying governments that fail to safeguard their citizens should not continue receiving American financial support.

“I rise in strong support for my amendment to increase the withholding threshold for assistance to Nigeria, from 50 percent to 100 percent,” Steube said. “If the aid conditions included in the bill are important enough to withhold half of all the funding to the Nigerian government, then they are important enough to withhold all of the funding.”

The Republican lawmaker cited ongoing attacks on Christians and other religious minorities, alleging that extremist groups continue to operate with little accountability. He also accused the Nigerian government of failing to adequately address kidnappings, killings, destruction of churches and other forms of religious persecution.

Steube further questioned the use of American taxpayer funds in countries struggling with governance and security challenges, arguing that the United States should not provide assistance to governments that fail to uphold religious freedom or effectively combat terrorism.

The amendment forms part of the US House’s appropriations process and will still have to progress through the remaining stages of the legislative process before becoming law. Nigerian authorities have not yet issued an official response to the House’s latest decision.