The United States government is considering stricter conditions on financial and humanitarian assistance to Nigeria over growing insecurity and religious violence in the country.
A report by the United States House Committee on Appropriations recommends a 50 percent cut in aid and development funding to Nigeria unless there are clear improvements in security.
The proposal is part of a broader spending bill for 2027, which ties future support to measurable actions by the Nigerian government.
The bill states that funds may be withheld until authorities show they are taking “effective steps to prevent and respond to violence and hold perpetrators accountable.”
It also requires Nigeria to support victims of violence, including internally displaced persons, and ensure the safe return of affected communities.
The committee expressed strong concern about the situation in the country.
It said it “remains gravely concerned by the ongoing violence in Nigeria” and described recent attacks as “horrifying.”
Lawmakers also stressed the need for accountability, calling on the Nigerian government “to protect their citizens and hold perpetrators of violence to account.”
Despite the proposed cuts, the bill allows some funding to continue, especially for programmes supporting religious freedom and humanitarian aid in conflict-affected areas such as the Middle Belt.
The move reflects growing concern in Washington over insecurity in Nigeria and how aid is used.
If approved, the new conditions could affect billions of dollars in assistance for development and humanitarian programmes in Nigeria over the next two years.
