US House Votes To Suspend 100% Aid To Nigeria Over Alleged Christian Persecution

The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment seeking to withhold 100 per cent of US assistance to Nigeria until the country takes stronger measures to address violence and alleged persecution of Christians.

The amendment, sponsored by US Congressman Gregory Steube, was adopted through a voice vote on Wednesday and attached to the fiscal year 2027 State Department spending bill, which was later passed by the House by 217-209 votes, largely along party lines.

Announcing the development on X, Steube said his amendment was aimed at ensuring accountability from the Nigerian government over its response to insecurity.

“My amendment to withhold 100 per cent 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. No more wasteful foreign aid!” he wrote.

The original version of the spending bill had proposed withholding 50 per cent of funds allocated to Nigeria until the US Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government had taken “effective steps to prevent and respond to violence and hold perpetrators accountable.”

However, Steube’s amendment increased the proposed funding restriction to 100 per cent while retaining the same certification requirements.

Speaking on the House floor, Steube alleged that Nigeria had experienced “a horrific wave of violence” and accused the government of failing to adequately respond to the situation.

He argued that releasing half of the funds would amount to rewarding a government that had failed to protect its citizens.

“Foreign aid should never be a reward for failure,” Steube said.

The lawmaker also raised concerns about US spending commitments, questioning why Washington should continue providing assistance to Nigeria while the country’s national debt was approaching $40 trillion.

The amendment, however, does not immediately affect US assistance to Nigeria, as it must still be considered by the Senate and signed into law by President Donald Trump before it can take effect.

The development follows the Trump administration’s 2025 decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over allegations of Christian persecution.

It also comes amid renewed security cooperation between both countries following tensions over a US missile strike on Nigerian territory on Christmas Day.

Nigeria and the United States have since strengthened collaboration on counterterrorism efforts, particularly against armed groups operating in the northern part of the country.