US House votes to withhold all aid to Nigeria over Christian persecution concerns
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The United States House of Representatives has adopted an amendment, sponsored by Congressman Gregory Steube, to withhold 100% of US assistance to Nigeria. This measure is contingent on Nigeria meeting specific conditions to address violence. The amendment, approved by a voice vote, was added to the fiscal 2027 State Department spending bill, which subsequently passed the House. Congressman Steube stated that American taxpayers should not fund governments that disregard the abduction, torture, and murder of Christians. The original bill proposed withholding 50% of funds until the US Secretary of State certified Nigeria had taken effective steps to prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable. Steube's amendment increased this to 100% while keeping the certification conditions the same. He argued that Nigeria's government has failed to address a wave of violence and that foreign aid should not reward failure, also citing America's national debt. This measure still requires Senate approval and the President's signature to take effect. The vote follows President Donald Trump redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in 2025 and a US missile strike on Nigerian territory, despite a subsequent security partnership between the two nations targeting terrorist groups.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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