The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment seeking to suspend all American financial assistance to Nigeria until the country demonstrates measurable progress in addressing violence and holding those responsible accountable.
The proposal, sponsored by Republican Congressman Gregory Steube, was adopted through a voice vote on Wednesday and added to the Fiscal Year 2027 State Department Appropriations Bill, which later passed the House by a narrow 217-209 vote.
Amendment Seeks Complete Suspension of US Assistance
Following the vote, Steube announced the development on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that the amendment would withhold 100 percent of US aid to Nigeria until the government takes stronger action against the killings and persecution of Christians.
According to him, American taxpayers should not fund governments that fail to adequately protect their citizens or hold perpetrators of violent attacks accountable.
Tougher Conditions Than Original Proposal
Before the amendment, the spending bill proposed withholding 50 percent of US assistance to Nigeria until the US Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria has taken effective steps to reduce violence, improve security, and prosecute offenders.
Steube’s amendment increases the withholding to 100 percent, while retaining the same certification requirements.
During debate on the House floor, the lawmaker argued that limiting the suspension to half the aid was insufficient and said foreign assistance should not reward governments that fail to fulfill their basic responsibility of protecting lives.
Concerns Over US Spending
Steube also cited America’s growing national debt as another reason for reducing foreign aid, questioning why the United States should continue sending taxpayer funds abroad while facing significant domestic financial challenges.
Bill Still Requires Senate and Presidential Approval
Despite clearing the House of Representatives, the proposal has not yet become law.
The legislation must still be approved by the US Senate before being sent to the President for final assent. Until that process is completed, there will be no immediate change to existing US assistance to Nigeria.
Background to the Vote
The amendment follows growing discussions in Washington over Nigeria’s security situation.
In 2025, former US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over allegations relating to religious violence and the persecution of Christians.
Although diplomatic tensions later arose following a US missile strike on Nigerian territory during the Christmas period, both countries have since strengthened cooperation through security partnerships focused on combating terrorism and insurgency in northern Nigeria.
The latest move by the US House is expected to generate debate on the future of diplomatic relations, foreign assistance, and security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
