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Abuja, FCT – By Prime Brief Media

The United States House Appropriations Committee has advanced new funding provisions that could tighten conditions on American financial assistance to Nigeria, following concerns raised by lawmakers over security and alleged religious violence in the country. The measures were included in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programmes appropriations bill, which passed the committee on Wednesday.

The lawmakers cited President Bola Tinubu's administration's alleged failure to adequately address widespread violence against Christian communities, pointing to attacks attributed to armed Fulani groups and jihadist organisations. The bill introduces a conditional funding structure requiring that 50 per cent of designated US assistance be withheld until Washington certifies that the Federal Government is taking what it describes as "effective steps" to address violence and protect vulnerable populations.

The bill sets out detailed requirements that Nigeria must meet before full disbursement can resume. It states that the government must be taking effective steps to prevent and respond to violence, prioritising resources to support victims including internally displaced persons, actively facilitating the safe return and resettlement of displaced communities, and allocating sufficient resources to address these conditions.

Lawmakers also introduced a cost-sharing requirement, stating that Nigeria would be expected to match US contributions for several programmes tied to security and humanitarian support. If enacted, the proposal would place Nigeria under enhanced congressional oversight, requiring Washington to notify lawmakers at least 15 days before releasing any funds. Nigeria would join Pakistan, Iraq, Ukraine, and Sudan on a watchlist for closer scrutiny of US aid.

Republican lawmaker Riley Moore criticised the Nigerian government's handling of insecurity, saying, "The Tinubu administration is spending millions lobbying Congress while failing to adequately address the genocide Nigerian Christians face daily." The Federal Government has consistently rejected allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that insecurity affects all citizens regardless of faith.

The bill must still be approved by the full US Congress and signed by the president before taking effect. Prime Brief Media will report on further economic indicators and official responses as they become available.

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