U.S. House Passes Greg Steube Amendment Seeking to Withhold Aid to Nigeria Over Killings of Christians

U.S. Congressman Greg Steube, a Republican representing Florida, has announced that the U.S. House of Representatives approved his amendment seeking to withhold 100% of U.S. assistance to Nigeria until the Nigerian government takes what the measure describes as effective action to stop violence against Christians.

In a post published on X (formerly Twitter), Steube declared:

“My amendment to withhold 100% of U.S. aid to Nigeria until its government stops the slaughter of Christians has PASSED. American taxpayers should NEVER bankroll governments that turn a blind eye while Christians are abducted, tortured, and murdered. No more wasteful foreign aid!”

The amendment was considered during House debate on the annual State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs appropriations bill. According to the House Rules Committee, Steube’s proposal increased an existing provision that would withhold assistance to Nigeria from 50% to 100%, while maintaining conditions requiring Nigeria to take effective steps to prevent and respond to violence in the country.

The House’s approval of the amendment does not by itself make it U.S. law. The broader appropriations bill must still complete the legislative process, including consideration by the Senate and agreement on a final version before it can be sent to the President for signature or veto. Until those steps are completed, no change to U.S. aid policy takes effect.

Steube has been one of the most outspoken members of Congress on the issue of attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria. He and several other lawmakers have repeatedly argued that the Nigerian government has failed to adequately protect civilians from attacks carried out by armed groups, including jihadist organizations and criminal gangs operating in parts of the country’s north and Middle Belt.

The proposal comes amid continuing concern over insecurity in Nigeria. Human rights organizations and international observers have documented killings, kidnappings and attacks affecting both Christian and Muslim communities, although there remains debate over whether the violence is primarily driven by religious persecution, insurgency, banditry, or conflicts over land and resources.

Supporters of the amendment argue that U.S. taxpayer funds should not be provided to governments that fail to protect religious minorities. They say stronger financial pressure could encourage Nigerian authorities to improve security, prosecute perpetrators and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities.

Critics, however, warn that a blanket suspension of U.S. assistance could have unintended humanitarian consequences. Much of U.S. assistance to Nigeria supports health programmes, food security, humanitarian relief, education and efforts to combat terrorism. Analysts caution that broad funding cuts could affect millions of Nigerians unless exemptions are included in any final legislation.

As of publication, the Nigerian government had not issued an official response to Steube’s announcement. The U.S. State Department also has not announced any immediate change in assistance to Nigeria, as the amendment remains part of legislation that has not yet completed the congressional process.

The development is nevertheless likely to attract significant attention in both Washington and Abuja, where security, religious freedom and U.S.-Nigeria relations remain important diplomatic issues.