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The United States House Appropriations Committee has approved a foreign assistance bill that would impose stricter conditions on financial support to Nigeria, signalling growing concern in Washington over insecurity and accountability in Africa’s most populous nation.

• US lawmakers have approved a bill placing stricter conditions on financial assistance to Nigeria over concerns about insecurity and violence.
• The proposal would withhold 50 per cent of allocated aid until Nigeria demonstrates stronger action on civilian protection and accountability.
• It also requires matching Nigerian contributions and introduces enhanced congressional oversight of future disbursements.
• The measure still requires full Congressional approval and presidential assent before becoming law.

The provisions are included in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs appropriations bill, which allocates about $47.32 billion for foreign aid and diplomacy, a reduction of roughly 6 per cent from the previous year.

While the legislation does not earmark a specific funding amount for Nigeria, it introduces new restrictions that could significantly affect disbursement. Under the proposal, 50 per cent of US assistance allocated to Nigeria would be withheld until the Secretary of State certifies that the government is taking “effective steps” to address violence, protect civilians, and hold perpetrators accountable.

Lawmakers linked the measure to concerns over persistent attacks attributed to militant groups, including violence affecting religious communities. The bill also requires Nigerian authorities to prioritise support for victims, particularly internally displaced persons, and to facilitate the safe return and reconstruction of affected communities.

In addition, the legislation calls for investigations and prosecutions tied to armed groups and stipulates that Nigeria must commit matching funds for US-backed programmes, effectively requiring a dollar-for-dollar contribution from its own budget.

A joint meeting of Congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. [Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images]

A committee statement said the bill aims to “hold foreign governments… accountable for persecuting people of faith,” adding that assistance to Nigeria would be restricted until “measurable actions are taken” to protect vulnerable populations.

The proposed framework also subjects Nigeria to heightened congressional scrutiny. If enacted, the US administration would be required to notify Congress at least 15 days before obligating funds for the country, aligning Nigeria with other nations subject to heightened oversight.

The broader bill includes several major funding envelopes, such as $6.89 billion for national security investment programmes, with at least 15 per cent designated for Africa, alongside $870 million for counter-terrorism and non-proliferation efforts and $1.66 billion for international narcotics control and law enforcement.

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Despite the tougher stance, the legislation is not yet law. It must still pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the US president before taking effect.

Nigeria has previously rejected claims that violence in the country is driven by religious persecution, arguing instead that it reflects a complex mix of terrorism, banditry, and communal conflict.

The bill nonetheless underscores a shift in US policy towards stricter oversight of foreign assistance, particularly in countries facing prolonged security challenges, and could reshape Washington’s engagement with Nigeria if approved.