By Zainab Bakare
The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment that would increase the proposed withholding of US assistance to Nigeria from 50 percent to 100 percent until the Nigerian government takes what lawmakers describe as effective steps to prevent violence, protect citizens and hold perpetrators accountable.
The amendment was sponsored by Representative Gregory Steube of Florida’s 17th Congressional District and was adopted by a voice vote on Wednesday.
The House had initially proposed withholding 50 percent of funds appropriated for Nigeria until the US Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government has taken effective measures to address violence within its territory.
Speaking in support of the amendment, Steube argued that withholding only half of the assistance amounted to rewarding a government that had failed in its responsibility to protect its citizens.
He alleged that Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria continue to face attacks by extremist groups, including killings, abductions, assaults and the destruction of churches and communities.
Steube said US taxpayer funds should not support governments that fail to uphold religious freedom, combat terrorism or protect innocent civilians from persecution.
He also argued that, given America’s rising national debt, foreign assistance should be used as leverage to encourage accountability and reforms.
The amendment forms part of a broader appropriations process and would require Nigeria to meet specified conditions before US assistance can be restored.
Nigeria and the United States have continued security cooperation in recent years, including joint efforts aimed at tackling terrorism and violent extremism in parts of northern Nigeria.
