U.S. House Passes Bill Withholding All Aid to Nigeria

The United States House of Representatives passed the fiscal 2027 State Department spending bill on July 16, 2026, which conditions American assistance to Nigeria on the government's efforts to protect Christians and other vulnerable communities from religiously motivated violence. While the original bill proposed withholding 50 percent of funding, an amendment sponsored by Representative Gregory Steube increased this threshold to 100 percent.

Under the legislation, the U.S. Secretary of State must certify that the Nigerian government has taken effective steps to prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable before any funds are released. The bill also earmarks $2 million from the International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement account to address violence by Fulani militias in the Middle Belt region and requires reports on the safe return of internally displaced persons.

This legislative action follows President Donald Trump's 2025 redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and a U.S. missile strike on Nigerian territory on Christmas Day. Supporters of the bill, including Representative Riley Moore, characterize the violence against Christians as systemic persecution and genocide. In contrast, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu denies targeting Christians, asserting that security challenges affect all citizens regardless of faith.

The measure passed the House 217-209 and now requires approval from the U.S. Senate and the signature of President Trump to become law. If enacted, the provision could jeopardize millions of dollars in aid intended for healthcare, humanitarian relief, and security cooperation.