US House Approves Bill to Slash Aid to Nigeria Over Christian Persecution Allegations

The United States House of Representatives has passed a spending bill that would significantly reduce foreign assistance to Nigeria over concerns about violence against Christian communities, although the measure must still be approved by the Senate and signed by President Donald Trump before it can become law.

The proposal is contained in the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act for the 2027 fiscal year, which was approved by the House in a 217-209 vote.

It seeks to restrict U.S. assistance to Nigeria until Washington certifies that the Nigerian government is taking effective steps to protect Christians from religious violence.

According to the bill, the measure includes "restricting assistance to Nigeria until measurable actions are taken to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence."

It also calls for "holding foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith" while providing "support for religious freedom programs abroad and religious freedom protections for faith-based organisations delivering foreign aid."

The provision was championed by Republican lawmakers Riley Moore and Greg Steube.

Steube welcomed the House's decision, saying, "American taxpayers should NEVER bankroll governments that turn a blind eye while Christians are abducted, tortured, and murdered."

The legislation originally proposed withholding 50 percent of U.S. assistance to Nigeria.

However, Steube successfully amended the bill to suspend 100 percent of the affected assistance, arguing that a 50 percent reduction was insufficient.

The proposal comes amid growing scrutiny in Washington over religious freedom in Nigeria.

Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected allegations of targeted persecution of Christians, maintaining that the country's security challenges affect both Christians and Muslims and are driven largely by terrorism, banditry and communal violence rather than religion alone.

If enacted, the measure could mark a significant shift in U.S.-Nigeria relations, but it must first clear the U.S. Senate before reaching President Trump's desk for assent.