By Dennis Okechukwu
The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment seeking to withhold all U.S. assistance to Nigeria until the Federal Government demonstrates concrete efforts to curb violence against Christians and bring perpetrators to justice.
The amendment, sponsored by Republican Congressman Gregory Steube, was adopted by voice vote on Wednesday and incorporated into the fiscal year 2027 State Department appropriations bill, which was later passed by the House in a 217–209 vote.
Announcing the development on X, Steube said the amendment was intended to ensure that American taxpayers do not fund governments accused of failing to protect religious minorities.
“My amendment to withhold 100% of U.S. aid to Nigeria until its government stops the slaughter of Christians has passed. American taxpayers should never bankroll governments that turn a blind eye while Christians are abducted, tortured and murdered,” he wrote.
The appropriations bill had initially proposed withholding 50 per cent of U.S. assistance to Nigeria until the Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government has taken effective measures to prevent violence and hold offenders accountable. Steube’s amendment raises the withholding to 100 per cent while retaining the same certification requirements.
Speaking during debate on the House floor, Steube accused the Nigerian government of failing to adequately address persistent attacks on Christian communities, describing the amendment as a stronger accountability measure rather than the introduction of new conditions.
He also argued that U.S. foreign assistance should not reward governments that fail to protect their citizens, adding that America should prioritise prudent spending as its national debt approaches $40 trillion.
Despite its passage in the House, the measure is yet to become law. It must still be approved by the U.S. Senate and signed by President Donald Trump before it can take effect.
The vote comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s religious freedom record. The Trump administration redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in 2025 over allegations of religious persecution. Although relations between both countries experienced tension following a U.S. missile strike on Nigerian territory on Christmas Day, Washington and Abuja have since strengthened security cooperation against terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria.