The United States House Appropriations Committee has introduced new conditions that could tighten oversight of financial assistance to Nigeria.
The provisions are part of the Fiscal Year 2027 State Department and National Security appropriations bill.
Lawmakers cited concerns over the handling of insecurity under President Bola Tinubu, particularly violence affecting Christian communities.
Under the proposal, 50 per cent of funds allocated to Nigeria through foreign assistance programmes would be withheld until the US Secretary of State certifies that the government is taking effective steps to address the crisis.
These steps include preventing and responding to violence, prosecuting perpetrators, supporting victims, and ensuring the safe return and resettlement of displaced persons.
The bill also requires that US assistance be used to support investigations into attacks by armed groups, improve accountability within Nigeria’s security forces, and strengthen humanitarian efforts in conflict-affected areas.
In addition, Nigeria would be expected to match US funding for programmes “to the maximum extent practicable,” effectively increasing its financial commitment to such initiatives.
If passed into law, Nigeria would be placed on a special watchlist requiring advance notification to the US Congress before any funds are disbursed.
Other countries under similar scrutiny include Pakistan, Iraq, Mexico, Ukraine, Sudan, and Venezuela.
The proposal follows earlier actions by the administration of Donald Trump, which in 2025 designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over allegations of religious persecution.
A member of the committee, Riley Moore, criticised the Nigerian government’s handling of insecurity, accusing it of failing to adequately protect vulnerable communities.
The Nigerian government has consistently denied allegations of religious persecution and maintains that ongoing security challenges are not driven by religious bias.
PunchOnline