U.S. Proposes 50% Cut to Nigeria's Humanitarian Aid

The United States House Committee on Appropriations has introduced a bill proposing a significant 50% cut in humanitarian aid and development support to Nigeria, directly responding to the country's persistent insecurity and religiously motivated violence. The proposed appropriations bill for the fiscal year 2027 includes provisions to freeze previously earmarked funds, with future disbursements contingent upon the Nigerian government meeting specific security benchmarks.

The legislation emphasizes that no major aid category will be released without regular notification procedures. The committee expressed deep concern over the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, particularly following incidents such as the Palm Sunday massacre.

The bill also includes measures to hold foreign governments accountable for religious persecution and imposes strict visa restrictions on individuals from countries with severe religious freedom violations. While the U.S. will not completely withdraw its security presence, it recommends that the Nigerian government match U.S. aid dollar for dollar to address security challenges, particularly against violence perpetrated by Fulani ethnic militias.