Insecurity: US Moves to Tie Nigeria Aid to Security Benchmarks, Proposes 50% Cut

The United States is set to tighten oversight of aid to Nigeria, with lawmakers proposing a 50 percent cut in financial assistance due to rising insecurity and religious violence across the country.

The recommendation, made by the House Committee on Appropriations, is contained in the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, 2027. If enacted, the measure could cost Nigeria billions of dollars in development funding earmarked for 2027 and 2028.

Under the bill, disbursement of funds will depend on Nigeria meeting clearly defined security benchmarks. It further mandates that allocations under titles III to VI cannot be committed without formal notification to the Appropriations Committees.

The proposal reflects a broader US policy shift aligned with President Donald Trump’s agenda to reshape foreign assistance in line with national security and economic priorities.

The legislation also blocks funding linked to the Pandemic and Arms Trade Treaties, while elevating support for global religious freedom programmes and faith-based humanitarian organisations.

It states that the measure is designed to “hold foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith,” specifically noting restrictions on aid to Nigeria until meaningful steps are taken to protect Christian communities affected by violence.

Strict Conditions and Matching Funds

Half of the aid allocated to Nigeria would be withheld until the US Secretary of State confirms that the government is effectively addressing violence, prosecuting offenders, assisting victims, and facilitating the safe return and rebuilding of affected communities.

Additionally, Nigeria would be required to match US funding contributions, ensuring joint accountability in tackling insecurity.

Targeted Funding for Conflict Zones

While general aid faces cuts, the Committee approved targeted funding from a $235 million security pool to address violence in the Middle Belt, particularly incidents linked to Fulani ethnic militias.

The Secretary of State must consult Congress within 45 days on how the funds will be deployed.

Highlighting its concerns, the Committee stated:

“The Committee remains gravely concerned by the ongoing violence in Nigeria and notes that the continued persecution and slaughter, like the Palm Sunday massacre, of Christians is horrifying. The Committee calls upon the Government of Nigeria to protect their citizens and hold perpetrators of violence to account.”

Backing Religious Freedom Efforts

The Committee endorsed findings from a joint congressional report on Christian persecution in Nigeria and called for further evaluation of resources needed to curb the violence.

Funding will continue for religious freedom and atrocity response initiatives, particularly those implemented by faith-based organisations in conflict-affected areas, including Benue State and the wider Middle Belt.

The bill also strengthens cooperation with Nigeria under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement programmes to improve the capacity and accountability of security agencies.

An additional $2 million allocation for atrocity prevention was recommended, with part of the funds directed at addressing violence in affected regions.

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