U.S. Lawmakers Set Conditions for Nigeria's Aid Release

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee has introduced new conditions limiting Nigeria's access to American aid funds as part of a fresh funding bill passed on Wednesday targeting stricter control over assistance.

This move is driven by concerns over rising insecurity and violence, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities. The committee highlighted the failure of President Bola Tinubu's administration to adequately address killings linked to armed groups, including Fulani militia and extremist factions.

While a proposed billion-dollar allocation is set aside for various programs, no specific amount is directly allocated to Nigeria. Lawmakers have stipulated that 50 percent of the funds intended for Nigeria will be withheld until certain benchmarks are met, including progress in tackling violence, prosecuting offenders, and supporting victims.

The bill emphasizes the need for Nigeria to commit its own funds alongside U.S. assistance and includes requirements for detailed spending plans within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This legislative action comes amid growing international attention to Nigeria's security situation.