The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment that would withhold 100 percent of US assistance to Nigeria until the Federal Government demonstrates concrete progress in preventing violence, protecting vulnerable communities, and holding perpetrators accountable.
The amendment, sponsored by Republican Congressman Gregory Steube of Florida’s 17th Congressional District, raises the withholding threshold from 50 percent to 100 percent, significantly increasing pressure on Abuja amid growing criticism in Washington over insecurity and alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.
Lawmakers adopted the proposal on Wednesday through a voice vote during consideration of appropriations legislation.
The move builds on an earlier provision introduced in April that sought to withhold half of US assistance to Nigeria until the Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government has taken “effective steps to prevent and respond to violence and hold perpetrators accountable.”
Explaining his amendment on the House floor, Steube argued that withholding only half of the assistance sent the wrong message at a time when violence remains widespread.
