US House Votes to Suspend All Aid to Nigeria Over Terrorism

The US House of Representatives has approved an amendment to suspend 100% of assistance to Nigeria until the Nigerian federal government takes effective steps to prevent and respond to terrorism and violence. This amendment, sponsored by Representative Gregory Steube of Florida's 17th Congressional District, was adopted through a voice vote during the consideration of an appropriations bill.

The amendment raises the aid withholding threshold from 50% to 100% and requires the US Secretary of State to certify that Nigeria has taken necessary actions to hold perpetrators accountable for violence. Steube criticized the Nigerian government for failing to protect its citizens, especially Christians, amidst rising violence and persecution.

He argued that continued US assistance to Nigeria is unjustifiable given the worsening security situation and the government's failure to uphold religious freedom. The amendment is part of a broader scrutiny of Nigeria's security situation and will remain in the legislative process until it becomes law.