The US Congress plans to limit aid to Nigeria by linking funding to stronger accountability rules.
A House bill could freeze half of Nigeria’s assistance unless there is real progress on security and protecting civilians.
The aid bill sets aside diplomacy and assistance, but it adds new provisions.
Under this proposal, half of the US support plan, until the Secretary of State holds back, that Nigerian officials are taking effective steps” to reduce violence, prosecute offenders, and reduce victims of conflict, and help mitigate the violence affecting religious communities as justification for the tougher stance.
The bill also requires Nigeria to match funds for US-backed programmes, effectively doubling Abuja’s financial burden if it wishes to benefit from American assistance.
Beyond the financial rules, the bill also calls for more oversight from Congress.
If it becomes law, the US administration would have to tell Congress at least 15 days before sending funds to Nigeria, putting the country under the same close watch as others with major governance issues.
Nigeria says its main security problems are terrorism, banditry, and local clashes, not religious persecution.
The bill shows that Washington is worried about slow reforms and marks a change in US policy, now requiring clear results before giving aid.
These new rules could have a big impact on Nigeria. If the country does not meet the conditions, it might lose support for displaced people, rebuilding efforts, and counter-terrorism programs.
The bill is not law yet, but if it passes, it could change US-Nigeria relations and push for more action on security.