U.S. House Moves to Halt Aid to Nigeria Over Continued Killing of Christians

Key Facts

Published: July 20, 2026 Location: Washington D.C. Source: Christian Post, Office of Rep. Riley Moore, Pew Research Center

• The U.S. House approved a provision potentially withholding 100% of American assistance to Nigeria until its government demonstrates effective action to protect Christians and prosecute perpetrators.
• Nigeria’s Christian population grew from an estimated 61 million in 2000 to nearly 93 million by 2020, an increase of more than 30 million believers.
• Despite terrorism, abductions and repeated attacks, Nigerian churches have expanded at home and developed major missionary networks across Africa, Europe and North America.

Lawmakers demand stronger protection for believers facing terrorism, abductions and village attacks

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Worthy News) – The U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation that could suspend American assistance to Nigeria unless its government takes measurable steps to protect Christians and prosecute those responsible for religiously motivated violence.

The provision was included in a State Department funding bill passed by the House. Lawmakers initially proposed withholding half of U.S. aid, but an amendment from Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., increased the potential suspension to 100%.

“American taxpayers should never bankroll governments that turn a blind eye while Christians are abducted, tortured, and murdered,” Steube said.

The measure must still pass the Senate and be signed by President Donald Trump before becoming law.

Supporters say Nigeria’s government has repeatedly failed to protect Christian communities from Boko Haram, Islamic State-linked terrorists, armed gangs and militant Fulani attackers.

Nigeria’s Divided History

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and is home to hundreds of ethnic groups and languages.

Before British rule, the region contained powerful kingdoms and Islamic states, including the Sokoto Caliphate in the north and the Yoruba, Benin and Igbo civilizations in the south.

Britain combined the predominantly Muslim north with the more heavily Christian south in 1914, creating modern Nigeria. The country gained independence in 1960 and later endured military coups, civil war and decades of authoritarian rule before civilian government returned in 1999.

Religious and regional divisions have continued to shape Nigerian politics and security.

Boko Haram began its major insurgency in 2009, attacking churches, schools, villages and government facilities. Violence has since expanded through criminal kidnapping networks and armed conflicts in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

Church Growth Despite Persecution

Despite years of violence, Christianity has experienced extraordinary growth in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Christian population increased from an estimated 61 million in 2000 to nearly 93 million by 2020. The country now has one of the largest Christian populations in the world.

Historic Catholic, Anglican, Baptist and Methodist churches remain strong, while Pentecostal and evangelical congregations have expanded rapidly in major cities and rural communities.

Nigerian-founded ministries have also planted churches throughout Africa, Europe and North America, making Nigeria one of the world’s leading missionary-sending nations.

The House legislation now places the suffering of Nigerian Christians before the U.S. government, linking future assistance to stronger protection, accountability and religious freedom.

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