The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment seeking to suspend all American assistance to Nigeria until the Federal Government demonstrates measurable progress in tackling terrorism and violent attacks across the country.
The proposal, sponsored by Representative Gregory Steube of Florida’s 17th Congressional District, was adopted through a voice vote during deliberations on an appropriations bill.
The amendment strengthens an earlier proposal that recommended withholding 50 per cent of US assistance to Nigeria. Under the new provision, the suspension has been increased to 100 per cent, while maintaining the condition that the US Secretary of State must certify that Nigeria has taken effective steps to prevent violence, combat terrorism and hold those responsible for such crimes accountable before assistance can resume.
Speaking during the debate, Steube argued that the previous proposal did not go far enough, claiming the Nigerian government has failed to adequately protect its citizens, particularly Christians and other religious minorities.
According to the lawmaker, Nigeria has witnessed years of deadly violence that he believes the government has not effectively addressed. He alleged that extremist groups have continued to target Christian communities, leading to killings, abductions, destruction of churches and attacks on innocent civilians.
Steube further claimed that Christian women and girls have continued to face abductions, torture, assaults and other forms of violence, while entire communities have been devastated by persistent insecurity.
He maintained that if lawmakers considered the situation serious enough to justify withholding half of the assistance, there was sufficient reason to support suspending all US funding to Nigeria until meaningful improvements are recorded.
The Florida congressman also questioned the continued use of American taxpayer funds to support governments that, in his view, have failed to guarantee religious freedom, confront terrorism effectively and protect vulnerable citizens.
He argued that continuing financial assistance to Nigeria is increasingly difficult to defend, especially as the United States faces growing fiscal challenges and a rising national debt.
According to him, the amendment is intended to ensure that American foreign assistance reflects the country’s values by encouraging stronger action against terrorism and protecting fundamental human rights.
The latest decision builds on an earlier proposal introduced in April and comes as Nigeria’s security situation continues to receive increased attention in Washington.
Although US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in 2025 over allegations relating to religious persecution, security cooperation between both countries has continued, particularly in efforts aimed at combating terrorist groups operating in northern Nigeria.
Despite its approval in the House of Representatives, the amendment has not yet become law. It must still pass the remaining stages of the United States legislative process before taking effect.
If eventually enacted, all US assistance to Nigeria would remain suspended until the Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government has met the required standards on security, counterterrorism efforts and accountability.
