US Reps Pass Nigeria Aid Bill

The United States House of Representatives has approved a proposal seeking to suspend all U.S. assistance to Nigeria unless the Federal Government demonstrates measurable progress in tackling terrorism, protecting vulnerable communities and holding perpetrators of violent attacks accountable.

The amendment, introduced by Republican Congressman Greg Steube of Florida, was adopted through a voice vote during proceedings in the House. It strengthens an earlier proposal that sought to withhold only half of the funds allocated to Nigeria until specific security conditions were met.

Under the revised measure, 100 percent of U.S. assistance covered by the legislation would remain suspended until the U.S. Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria has taken effective action to curb violence, improve security and ensure accountability for attacks across the country.

While presenting the amendment, Steube argued that releasing any portion of the funding before meaningful progress is achieved would undermine the objective of promoting accountability.

He expressed concern over persistent insecurity in Nigeria, claiming that religious minorities, particularly Christians, continue to face attacks by extremist groups. According to him, incidents involving killings, kidnappings, destruction of worship centres and assaults on communities have continued without adequate government response.

The lawmaker maintained that American taxpayer funds should not support governments that fail to safeguard citizens or uphold fundamental freedoms. He added that foreign assistance should be tied to measurable improvements in governance, security and the protection of human rights.

Steube also questioned the wisdom of maintaining aid levels at a time when the United States is grappling with significant fiscal challenges, arguing that available resources should be distributed only where governments demonstrate commitment to addressing critical security concerns.

The proposed restrictions come amid ongoing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. In recent months, both countries have strengthened collaboration aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism, particularly in northern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to pose significant security threats.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has reiterated its commitment to supporting reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security institutions and improving accountability within the sector.

Speaking during a national security roundtable held as part of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, Cynthia Rowe, Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission, said lasting peace depends on transparent, accountable and adequately funded security institutions.

She noted that the UK, through its Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, remains committed to working with Nigerian authorities to improve legislative frameworks that promote responsible security governance while ensuring respect for human rights.

Rowe described the dialogue as an important platform for advancing reforms capable of enhancing public confidence in security institutions and protecting communities affected by violence.

According to her, the discussions reflected key priorities of the SPRiNG programme, including responses to banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes and other security challenges affecting different parts of the country.

She also stressed the importance of greater cooperation among security agencies, increased use of technology and stronger community engagement in addressing emerging threats.

Also speaking at the event, the Team Leader of the SPRiNG programme, Ukoha Ukiwo, emphasised the need for stronger legal frameworks to complement ongoing peace-building initiatives across Nigeria.

He said experience from the programme’s activities has shown that sustainable security requires both effective operational responses and legislation that promotes transparency, accountability and institutional coordination.

Ukiwo added that discussions on issues such as state policing, security financing and oversight provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between formal security agencies and community-based structures, ultimately improving resilience and public safety across the country.

He reaffirmed the programme’s readiness to continue supporting stakeholders as efforts to implement the outcomes of the dialogue move forward.