The United States House of Representatives has passed an amendment bill seeking to withhold all US assistance to Nigeria until the Nigerian government takes effective steps to address terrorism and violence across the country.
The amendment, sponsored by Florida Congressman Gregory Steube, raises the proposed aid withholding from 50 percent to 100 percent. It was approved by voice vote during deliberations in the House.
The legislation requires the US Secretary of State to certify that Nigeria has taken effective measures to prevent and respond to violence and hold perpetrators accountable before assistance can resume.
Speaking in support of the amendment, Steube argued that withholding only half of the assistance would amount to rewarding the Nigerian government despite what he described as its failure to protect citizens.
He alleged that Christians and other religious minorities have continued to face attacks by extremist groups, including killings, abductions and the destruction of places of worship, and said US taxpayer funds should not support governments that fail to uphold religious freedom or confront terrorism effectively.
Steube also cited America’s growing national debt as another reason for tightening conditions attached to foreign aid, saying US assistance should reflect and uphold American values.
The amendment follows an earlier proposal by the House in April to reduce US assistance to Nigeria by 50 percent pending improvements in security and accountability.
Despite the congressional action, Nigeria and the United States have continued military cooperation aimed at combating terrorism, particularly in northern Nigeria.
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