The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment seeking to withhold 100 percent of US assistance to Nigeria until the federal government demonstrates measurable progress in addressing terrorism, violent extremism and widespread insecurity across the country.
The amendment, sponsored by Republican Congressman Greg Steube of Florida’s 17th Congressional District, was adopted during deliberations on Wednesday. It raises the proposed aid restriction from an earlier 50 percent withholding to a complete suspension of US assistance, reflecting growing concern among American lawmakers over Nigeria’s worsening security landscape.
Under the proposal, all US assistance to Nigeria would remain suspended until the Nigerian government takes what the legislation describes as “effective steps” to prevent, investigate and respond to terrorist attacks and other forms of violence affecting communities across the country.
The move comes amid mounting international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges, including persistent attacks by armed groups, insurgents and criminal gangs, particularly in the North-East, North-West and parts of the Middle Belt. The violence has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of people and deepened humanitarian concerns in Africa’s most populous nation.
Supporters of the amendment argue that continued American assistance should be tied to demonstrable improvements in protecting civilians, strengthening accountability and enhancing the government’s response to insecurity. They contend that US taxpayer-funded assistance should be contingent on meaningful progress in tackling the country’s protracted security crisis.
If enacted into law, the measure could significantly affect bilateral cooperation between Washington and Abuja, particularly in areas covering security, development, governance and humanitarian assistance. However, the amendment remains part of a broader legislative process and would still require approval through subsequent stages before becoming binding law.
The development is expected to spark fresh debate over Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy and could place additional diplomatic pressure on the administration to intensify efforts against insurgency and other violent threats that continue to undermine national stability.
