The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment seeking to withhold 100 per cent of American assistance to Nigeria until the Nigerian government demonstrates stronger action in addressing violence, particularly attacks against Christians.
The amendment, sponsored by Republican Congressman Gregory Steube, was adopted by a voice vote on Wednesday and incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2027 State Department appropriations bill, which later passed the House by a 217–209 vote.
Announcing the development on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Steube said the amendment aims to ensure that American taxpayers’ money is not used to support governments that fail to protect religious communities.
According to him, the Nigerian government must take decisive steps to end the abduction, torture and killing of Christians before any United States assistance can resume.
The original version of the spending bill proposed withholding 50 per cent of US assistance to Nigeria until the US Secretary of State certifies that the country has taken effective measures to prevent violence, protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators accountable.
However, Steube’s amendment increases
the proposed restriction to 100 per cent, while retaining the same certification requirements.Speaking during debate on the House floor, the lawmaker described the security situation in Nigeria as deeply concerning, arguing that foreign assistance should not be granted to governments that fail to protect the lives of their citizens.
He also linked the proposal to America’s growing national debt, saying the United States should prioritise accountability in its foreign aid spending.
Despite its passage in the House of Representatives, the amendment has not yet become law. It must still be approved by the US Senate before being sent to President Donald Trump for assent. Until those legislative processes are completed, there will be no immediate change to US assistance to Nigeria.
The vote comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights and security record. In 2025, the Trump administration redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over allegations of religious persecution.
Although diplomatic tensions arose following a US missile strike on Nigerian territory on Christmas Day 2025, both countries have since continued security cooperation aimed at combating terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria.
