U.S. Allocates $3.5M to Combat Religious Violence in Nigeria

The U.S. Department of State has committed $3.5 million (approximately N5 billion) to monitor and document religious violence in Nigeria.

This initiative, announced on May 22, 2026, aims to enhance efforts in reporting abuses committed by both state and non-state actors. The program will run for 24 to 48 months and invites organizations to submit applications for grants or cooperative agreements.

The focus is on improving documentation of religious freedom abuses, particularly in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, which has been affected by violence linked to groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani ethnic militias. The initiative follows a designation by former President Donald Trump in November 2025, which highlighted Nigeria as a country of particular concern regarding religious freedom issues.

The application deadline is set for July 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, with a preference for non-profit organizations.