The United States House of Representatives has approved an amendment seeking to suspend certain categories of US assistance to Nigeria over concerns about the Federal Government’s handling of insecurity and its ability to protect citizens.
The amendment, sponsored by Republican Congressman Gregory Steube of Florida, proposes withholding US aid until the Nigerian government demonstrates measurable progress in tackling insecurity, protecting vulnerable communities, and strengthening accountability.
Speaking in support of the proposal, he stated “i rise in strong support for my amendment to increase the withholding threshold for assistance to Nigeria, from 50 percent to 100 percent. While keeping in place benchmarks that demand Nigeria take effective steps to address the violence and persecution that continue to devastate the country.
“Nigeria has faced a horrific wave of violence that its corrupt government has failed to address.
“For years, and especially in recent months, Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria have been subjected to violence and terrorism at the hands of extremists operating with impunity.Steube argued that persistent attacks by terrorists, armed bandits and other criminal groups have exposed gaps in Nigeria’s security response. He maintained that continued American assistance should be tied to concrete efforts by the Federal Government to safeguard lives and uphold human rights.
The measure is part of ongoing congressional deliberations on US foreign assistance and must still pass through the remaining legislative processes before it can become binding policy.
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