By Faith Chondol
The United States House of Representatives has passed a spending bill that would condition U.S. assistance to Nigeria on measurable efforts to protect Christians from religiously motivated violence.
The legislation, passed on Thursday as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act, was sponsored by Republican Congressman Riley M. Moore.
The House also approved an amendment by Congressman Greg Steube seeking to withhold 100 percent of U.S. aid to Nigeria until the Nigerian government demonstrates measurable progress in protecting Christians and addressing religious violence.
Announcing the development, Steube said the amendment aims to ensure American taxpayers do not fund governments that fail to protect Christians from abduction, torture and killings.
During debate on the House floor, Steube accused the Nigerian government of failing to safeguard Christians and other religious minorities from extremist violence, alleging that churches have been destroyed and entire communities wiped out.
Moore said the legislation is intended to hold the Nigerian government accountable for persistent attacks on Christian communities while strengthening U.S. oversight of foreign assistance.
According to him, the bill would require tangible progress in protecting Christians, addressing threats from armed groups, and facilitating the return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities before aid is released.
The legislation also provides funding for police training and accountability programmes in Nigeria, expands anti-human trafficking efforts, and directs the U.S. State Department to report to Congress and the President on additional measures to address violence against Christians.
The bill must still pass the U.S. Senate and be signed by the President before it can become law.
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