The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has approved a legislative proposal to withhold 50 percent of aid to Nigeria until the Secretary of State certifies measurable progress in security, civilian protection, and the prosecution of perpetrators.
The United States is moving to withhold 50 percent of its foreign assistance to Nigeria under a new legislative proposal that ties continued financial support to measurable progress in security and human rights. The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved the measure as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programmes appropriations bill. This broader legislation, which allocates approximately $47.32 billion for global diplomacy and aid—a six percent decrease from the previous year—reflects deepening bipartisan concern in Washington regarding persistent violence and the perceived lack of accountability in Africa’s most populous nation.
Under the terms of the proposal, the release of the second half of allocated funds is contingent upon the Secretary of State certifying that the Nigerian government is taking “effective steps” to address insecurity, protect civilians, and prosecute perpetrators of violence. Lawmakers explicitly linked these conditions to the ongoing attacks by militant groups and the systemic violence affecting vulnerable communities. Furthermore, the bill mandates that Nigerian authorities prioritize support for victims, particularly internally displaced persons (IDPs), and facilitate the safe return and reconstruction of affected areas. It also calls for rigorous investigations and prosecutions tied to armed groups operating within the country.
In a significant policy shift, the legislation introduces a “dollar-for-dollar” framework, requiring Nigeria to match U.S. funding for supported programs, a move that could place additional strain on the country’s national finances. A committee statement emphasized that the bill aims to “hold foreign governments accountable for persecuting people of faith,” adding that assistance to Nigeria would remain restricted until “measurable actions are taken” to protect vulnerable populations. If enacted, this policy would represent one of the most stringent sets of conditions placed on Nigerian-American diplomatic and developmental relations in recent history.
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