US House bill puts Nigeria aid at risk over Christian killings

The provision is part of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act, which the House passed on July 15. The legislation still requires approval by the Senate and President Donald Trump's signature before it can become law. The bill originally proposed withholding 50 percent of U.S. assistance to Nigeria. However, lawmakers approved an amendment by Rep. Greg Steube of Florida to increase that to 100 percent until the U.S. secretary of state certifies that Nigeria is taking effective action to protect Christians and hold perpetrators of religious violence accountable. "My amendment to withhold 100% of U.S. aid to Nigeria until its government stops the slaughter of Christians has passed," Steube wrote on X after the vote. "American taxpayers should never bankroll governments that turn a blind eye while Christians are abducted, tortured, and murdered." Supporters of the legislation say the measure is intended to pressure President Bola Tinubu's government to improve security in regions where Christian communities have repeatedly come under attack from armed groups.