The US House Appropriations Committee has introduced fresh conditions that could limit how Nigeria accesses American aid funds.
The move is part of a new funding bill passed on Wednesday, targeting stricter control over how assistance is released to the country.
The provisions are contained in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill.
Lawmakers say the new rules are necessary due to concerns about insecurity and rising violence, especially attacks affecting Christian communities.
The committee raised concerns over what it described as the failure of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to fully address killings linked to armed groups. These include Fulani militias and other extremist factions operating in parts of the country.
Under the proposal, billions of dollars have been set aside across different programmes. These include funding for security investments, anti-terrorism efforts, military training, and law enforcement support. However, no exact amount has been directly allocated to Nigeria.
Instead, the lawmakers introduced a strict condition. They stated that 50 per cent of any funds meant for Nigeria will be withheld until certain benchmarks are met. The US Secretary of State must first confirm that Nigeria is making real progress in tackling violence.
The bill states that the government must show it is actively preventing attacks and prosecuting offenders. It must also provide support for victims, including internally displaced persons, and ensure that affected communities can return home safely.
It further demands that Nigeria commits its own funds alongside any US assistance. This cost-sharing requirement is expected to ensure accountability and stronger local involvement in security and humanitarian programmes.
According to the document, funds released to Nigeria must be used for key priorities. These include improving early warning systems, strengthening religious freedom, and supporting investigations into violent crimes. It also covers police reform, humanitarian aid delivery, and rebuilding communities destroyed by conflict.
The bill also pushes for long-term solutions. It highlights the need for disarmament programmes and efforts to reduce illegal weapons circulation across affected regions.
If eventually approved, Nigeria will be placed under closer monitoring. This includes being listed under a special category that requires the US government to notify Congress before spending funds in the country.
Countries already under similar scrutiny include Pakistan, Iraq, Mexico, Ukraine, Sudan, and Venezuela.
In addition, US lawmakers will be required to submit a detailed spending plan for Nigeria within 180 days after the law takes effect.
The development comes amid growing international attention on Nigeria’s security situation. In recent months, there have been repeated concerns about attacks in parts of the Middle Belt and northern regions.
Recall that former US President Donald Trump had earlier designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over alleged persecution of Christians.
Reacting to the bill, US lawmaker Riley Moore criticised the Nigerian government. He said, “The Tinubu Administration is spending millions lobbying Congress while failing to adequately address the genocide Nigerian Christians face daily.”
However, the Federal Government has consistently denied claims of religious persecution. Authorities insist that the violence is driven more by criminality and communal clashes than religion. Officials also point to ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
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