Lawmakers slam “corrupt regime” as amendment cuts all assistance until nation tackles escalating violence
In a stunning rebuke, the US House of Representatives has voted to withhold 100 percent of American assistance to Nigeria—doubling down from an initial 50 percent freeze—until the West African nation takes “effective steps” to address devastating terror attacks and religious persecution.
The amendment, proposed by Florida Congressman Gregory Steube, passed via voice vote on Wednesday, with lawmakers declaring that half-measures were no longer acceptable.
“Never should we allow taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars to be funnelled to corrupt regimes that fail to uphold religious freedom, fail to adequately confront terrorism, and fail to protect the innocent from persecution,” Steube thundered on the House floor.
The congressman pointed to the horrifying reality on the ground: “Christian women and girls continue to be abducted, assaulted, tortured, and killed. Their churches are burned, and entire communities are erased.”
Steube argued that if conditions warrant withholding 50 percent of funds, “then they are important enough to withhold all of the funding”—especially as America’s national debt approaches a staggering $40 trillion.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between both nations. In 2025, President Trump redesignated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over Christian genocide claims, later following up with a missile strike on Nigerian territory on Christmas Day.
While Nigeria and the US have since entered a military partnership targeting terrorists in the northern region, Thursday’s congressional vote signals growing impatience with Abuja’s response to the crisis.
