US Congressman Renews Call for Suspension of Federal Aid to Nigeria Over Religious Freedom Concerns
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Joseph Winner Ihechi
ABUJA — United States Congressman Greg Steube has renewed his call for the suspension of federal aid to Nigeria, alleging that the Nigerian government has failed to adequately address the persistent targeting of Christians and other violations of religious freedom.
Steube argued that American taxpayers should not continue funding a government that, in his view, has not taken sufficient action to protect vulnerable religious communities. His latest remarks come amid growing debate in Washington over US foreign assistance to Nigeria and broader concerns about human rights.
The renewed call follows increasing scrutiny of Nigeria's security and human rights record, with some US lawmakers pressing for stronger diplomatic measures against Abuja over allegations of religious persecution and sectarian violence.
The issue has gained prominence following the United States' designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for alleged severe violations of religious freedom, a move that has intensified discussions within Congress about the future of US assistance to Nigeria.
Steube maintained that continued American funding should be tied to measurable improvements in the protection of religious minorities and accountability for attacks linked to religious and communal violence.
Nigerian Government's Reaction
The Nigerian government has consistently rejected allegations that Christians are being systematically targeted, insisting that the country's security challenges are driven largely by criminality, terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, and communal disputes rather than government-backed religious persecution.
Officials have maintained that security agencies are working to combat insurgency and violent extremism across affected regions while implementing measures aimed at restoring peace and protecting all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation.
Nigeria has for years faced widespread insecurity, including attacks by terrorist groups, armed bandits, kidnappers, and violent communal clashes. The violence has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, particularly in the North-East, North-West and parts of the Middle Belt.
The country's human rights record has remained under international scrutiny, with advocacy groups and some foreign lawmakers repeatedly urging stronger action to protect religious freedom and hold perpetrators accountable.
The latest intervention by Congressman Steube adds to ongoing debates in Washington over the future of US-Nigeria relations, particularly regarding whether American foreign assistance should be conditioned on demonstrable progress in human rights, security reforms, and the protection of religious minorities.
Despite the criticism, Nigeria and the United States continue to maintain strategic cooperation in areas including counter-terrorism, trade, health, and regional security across West Africa.
