The United States government is considering imposing stricter conditions on financial assistance to Nigeria, with the House Committee on Appropriations recommending a 50 percent reduction in aid and development support to the Federal Government over concerns about worsening insecurity and religious violence.
The proposal is contained in the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill for 2027, which, if enacted, would affect funds already allocated to Nigeria for the 2027 and 2028 fiscal years. The bill links future disbursements to specific and measurable improvements in security conditions.
Under the provisions outlined, no funds appropriated under certain sections of the bill would be released to Nigeria without undergoing standard notification procedures through the US Committees on Appropriations. Lawmakers say the approach aligns with efforts to ensure that foreign assistance reflects US national interests and complies with existing executive policies.
The legislation also includes restrictions on funding for certain international treaties, while placing emphasis on religious freedom initiatives and support for faith-based organisations. It states that assistance to Nigeria would be limited until there is clear evidence of actions taken to address violence affecting religious communities.
As part of the proposed conditions, half of the funds earmarked for Nigeria would be withheld until the US Secretary of State confirms that the Nigerian government is making effective efforts to prevent violence, prosecute those responsible, and allocate resources to support victims and internally displaced persons.
The bill further introduces a matching fund requirement, under which Nigeria would be expected to commit an equivalent amount from its own budget for every dollar provided by the United States for local programmes.
Despite the proposed cuts to general assistance, lawmakers indicated that funding from a $235 million security sector programme pool should still be made available to address violence in the Middle Belt region, including attacks attributed to armed groups such as Fulani militia. The Secretary of State is expected to consult with the Appropriations Committees on how these funds would be deployed within 45 days of the law taking effect.
The Committee expressed concern over continued violence affecting communities, referencing recent incidents and calling on the Nigerian government to take stronger action to protect citizens and hold perpetrators accountable.
At the same time, the bill maintains support for religious freedom and atrocity response initiatives, particularly those implemented through faith-based organisations in affected areas. These programmes are intended to strengthen communication, improve documentation of incidents, and support the delivery of humanitarian assistance in states such as Benue and other regions experiencing violence.
In addition, the proposal prioritises collaboration under international law enforcement support programmes to strengthen the capacity and accountability of Nigerian security agencies. It also recommends an extra $2 million specifically for atrocity prevention efforts focused on instability in the Middle Belt.
