U.S. House Approves Bill to Suspend All Aid to Nigeria Over Christian Persecution

July 22, 2026

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill withholding all American assistance to Nigeria until its government takes meaningful action “to prevent and respond to violence in the country.”

Christianity Daily reports the provision was included in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which cleared the House on Wednesday.

Originally the measure called for suspending 50% of U.S. aid to Nigeria but lawmakers later adopted an amendment raising the amount to 100% until the secretary of state certifies that Nigerian authorities are protecting Christians and prosecuting those responsible for religious violence.

Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL), who introduced the amendment, said in a post on X following the vote, “My amendment to withhold 100% of U.S. aid to Nigeria until its government stops the slaughter of Christians has passed. American taxpayers should never bankroll governments that turn a blind eye while Christians are abducted, tortured, and murdered.”

According to Christianity Daily, backers of the legislation say cutting assistance would place greater pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to strengthen security in areas where Christian communities have faced repeated attacks by armed groups.

Christian advocacy organizations say believers have been targeted at disproportionate levels, particularly in Plateau and Benue states, where churches and predominantly Christian villages have repeatedly come under attack.

If enacted, the restriction could affect hundreds of millions of dollars used for health care, humanitarian assistance, security partnerships, governance projects and development programs throughout Nigeria, which is one of the largest aid recipients in sub-Saharan Africa.

The bill must still pass the Senate and receive President Donald Trump’s signature before becoming law.

Photo: top, Credit: Unsplash/Louis Velazquez