The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment seeking to withhold 100 percent of certain U.S. assistance to Nigeria until the Federal Government demonstrates concrete progress in tackling violence and protecting its citizens.
The amendment, sponsored by Representative Gregory Steube of Florida’s 17th Congressional District, was adopted by a voice vote on Wednesday, replacing an earlier proposal that sought to withhold 50 percent of the funds.
Under the amended provision, no covered U.S. assistance to Nigeria would be released until the U.S. Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government has taken effective steps to prevent and respond to violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
The move doubles the withholding threshold while retaining the same conditions for restoring the assistance.
‘Government Has Failed to Protect Citizens’
Speaking in support of the amendment, Steube argued that withholding only half of the assistance would amount to rewarding a government that has failed in its fundamental responsibility to safeguard its people.
He alleged that Nigeria continues to experience widespread violence, particularly against Christians and other religious minorities, accusing the government of failing to adequately confront terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice.
According to him, Christian women and girls have continued to face abductions, assaults, torture and killings, while churches have been destroyed and entire communities displaced.
“If the aid conditions are important enough to justify withholding half of the funding, then they are important enough to justify withholding all of it,” Steube said.
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The U.S. lawmaker also questioned the continued use of American taxpayer funds to support governments that, in his view, fail to uphold religious freedom, combat terrorism and protect vulnerable citizens.
He further argued that it is difficult to justify foreign assistance to Nigeria at a time when the United States’ national debt is approaching $40 trillion, insisting that U.S. aid should reflect accountability and American values.
If enacted into law, the measure would require the Nigerian government to meet the stipulated security benchmarks before the affected U.S. assistance can be restored.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.