US House Committee on Appropriations has approved stricter conditions on aid to Nigeria in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, recommending a 50 percent withholding of funds to the federal government until security benchmarks are met.
This ties assistance to certifications from the Secretary of State that Nigeria is effectively preventing violence, holding perpetrators accountable—especially Fulani militia and jihadists—and prioritizing aid for victims and displaced persons in regions like the Middle Belt.
The bill mandates a “matching fund” where Nigeria must contribute dollar-for-dollar from its budget for US programs, subjects all aid to congressional notification, and prioritizes religious freedom initiatives through faith-based organizations amid concerns over Christian persecution and events like the Palm Sunday massacre.
While general aid faces cuts, $235 million in security sector funds remains available for Middle Belt instability, with $2 million extra for atrocity prevention and law enforcement capacity-building.
The measure aligns with President Trump’s foreign policy to ensure aid serves US interests, prohibiting funds for certain treaties and heightening oversight for countries like Nigeria. It still needs full House, Senate approval, and presidential signature to become law.
