US Mulls Slashing Financial Aid To Nigeria By 50% Over “Horrifying” Killings Of Christians 

 

 

 

By Akanni Toba

 

The Nigerian government may experience a reduction in the grant and fiscal assistance being rendered to it by the United States government.

 

 

This is as the US government is considering the imposition of a massive 50 percent cut in financial and developmental assistance to the government of the Africa’s most populous nation.

 

According to the US government, the move is part of the country’s efforts to register its displeasure over the “horrifying” escalation of religious violence and the persistent slaughter of Christian communities.

 

The US House Committee on Appropriations  is pushing the idea of using foreign policy to whip the Tinubu administration into line by proposing the withholding of billions of dollars in aid under the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, 2027.

 

 

If passed into law, the legislation would see Nigeria lose half of its earmarked assistance for Fiscal Years 2027 through 2028 unless the federal government can prove “measurable actions” are being taken to protect vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators of religious violence accountable.

 

Highlighting the reason for the proposed move, the committee specifically mention the  “Palm Sunday massacre” and other targeted killings of Christians

 

It termed the two horrendous events as key drivers for the restriction.

 

According to the bill, the US will “hold foreign governments and bad actors accountable for persecuting people of faith.”

 

The legislation aligns with President Donald Trump’s vision to realign foreign policy, ensuring funds are spent in a manner consistent with religious freedom.

 

The bill further warns that Nigerian officials— and their immediate family members —could face visa restrictions if they are found to have tolerated “severe violations of religious freedom.”

 

As part of the new “shared responsibility” requirement, the U.S. is demanding that the Nigerian government provide a matching amount from its own budget for every dollar Washington spends on programmes within the country.

 

While moving to choke general aid to the central government, the Committee directed that funds be carved out from a $235 million security pool to specifically address violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

 

The bill mandates the Secretary of State to prioritise resources for communities suffering from attacks perpetrated by “Fulani ethnic militias” and jihadist extremists. These funds are intended for:

 

“Addressing instability in the Middle Belt and Benue State. Improving documentation and communication for humanitarian assistance.

 

“Supporting the safe return and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

 

“Funding atrocity response projects, particularly through faith-based organisations (FBOs).”

 

The Committee expressed grave concern that Christian communities are being slaughtered with impunity, stating, “The Committee calls upon the Government of Nigeria to protect their citizens and hold perpetrators of violence to account.”

 

Despite the proposed cuts, the bill recommends an additional $2 million for “atrocity prevention” and maintains support under International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement. This funding is aimed at the “professionalisation and capacity” of Nigerian law enforcement at both federal and state levels.

 

However, the bill stipulates that none of the funds may be obligated for Nigeria except through “regular notification procedures,” effectively giving the U.S. Congress a veto over every dollar sent to the country.

 

This legislative development comes as a major blow to Nigeria’s diplomatic standing, as the U.S. moves to designate the country among “Countries of Particular Concern,” placing its leadership under intense scrutiny over the “total collapse” of security and religious tolerance.