Lawmakers approve an amendment stopping economic and security support over religious violence
The United States House of Representatives passed a bill blocking all economic and security aid to Nigeria over allegations of failing to stop anti-Christian violence. Republican lawmakers pushed the tougher measure to force compliance, while Nigerian officials denied targeting Christians and maintained that local authorities fight overall security issues.
The United States House of Representatives approved a legislative amendment to block all assistance to Nigeria. This decision threatens both economic and security aid over reports of religious violence.
ValidUpdates understands that lawmakers modified an earlier plan that sought to withhold only half of the funding. The Secretary of State must now certify measurable progress in stopping attacks before releasing any money.
The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Lawmakers Push Stronger Funding Restrictions
Republican Congressman Greg Steube sponsored the strict amendment to freeze all federal support.
”If the aid conditions included in the bill are important enough to withhold half of all the funding to the Nigerian government, then they are important enough to withhold all of the funding,” Congressman Greg Steube said.
He argued that releasing any funding would reward Nigeria despite ongoing insecurity. This action comes shortly after Assistant Secretary of State Frank Garcia completed his first official trip to Abuja.
Garcia met with Nigerian security chiefs and senior officials to strengthen regional ties. He described those diplomatic meetings as successful following his discussions.
However, the vote highlights a growing rift between American foreign envoys and congressional leaders. While diplomats seek deeper security ties, lawmakers demand immediate accountability on human rights.
Senator Ted Cruz Alleges High-Level Failure
Senator Ted Cruz strongly backed the new measure as chairman of the Senate Africa subcommittee.
”Nigerian officials have created an environment that facilitates mass violence against Christians and religious minorities by imposing blasphemy and Sharia laws and looking the other way at jihadist atrocities,” Senator Ted Cruz posted on X.
“The U.S. government knows the Nigerian officials responsible for these policies, I have been pushing my bill to sanction them, and President Trump has even ordered military action,” Cruz stated.
”Instead of responding to American concerns, Nigerian officials waged a public relations campaign against critics,” Cruz noted.
“They were confident in that campaign and in their ability to continue the status quo, and I am heartened that the House has just definitively proven them wrong,” Cruz wrote.
He emphasized that lawmakers will hold officials accountable.
Nigerian Authorities Deny Religious Targeting
Meanwhile, Nigerian officials repeatedly reject claims of systematic religious persecution across the nation.
Government representatives state that criminal gangs and general insecurity cause the widespread clashes.
Authorities maintain that security forces actively combat threats against all citizens.
