US Allocates $187.3M Aid to Nigeria Amid Security Concerns

The United States has disbursed a total of $187,352,312 in aid to Nigeria as of May 20, 2026, making Nigeria the second-highest recipient of US assistance in Sub-Saharan Africa, following Ethiopia. The aid is primarily managed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and includes contributions from various US government departments such as the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Interior, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Transport.

However, recent pressures from members of the US Congress have led to demands for stricter monitoring of how Nigeria manages this assistance, particularly in light of increasing insecurity and human rights issues. Last month, the US House Appropriations Committee advanced provisions in the proposed 2027 appropriations bill that would require the withholding of half of future US assistance to Nigeria until the Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government is taking concrete steps to address insecurity and protect vulnerable citizens.

This legislative move underscores growing concerns among American lawmakers regarding the security situation in Nigeria, especially violent attacks affecting communities in the north-central region.