United States lawmakers have voted to increase the proposed withholding of American assistance to Nigeria from 50 per cent to 100 per cent over concerns about the country’s response to violence and insecurity.
The amendment, sponsored by Congressman Greg Steube of Florida, was approved by voice vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. It would withhold all U.S. assistance to Nigeria until the Secretary of State certifies that the Nigerian government has taken effective steps to prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable.
Speaking in support of the measure, Steube argued that withholding only half of the funds would amount to rewarding the Nigerian government despite what he described as its failure to protect citizens.
“If the aid conditions are important enough to withhold half of the funding, then they are important enough to withhold all of the funding”, he said.
The congressman alleged that Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria continue to face attacks from extremist groups, accusing the government of failing to adequately confront the violence.
“The generosity of our taxpayers is a reflection of the American values we hold so firmly. Never should we allow their hard-earned tax dollars to be funnelled to corrupt regimes that fail to uphold religious freedom, confront terrorism and protect the innocent from persecution”, Steube said.
Questioning continued U.S. assistance to Nigeria, he added, “Why are we rewarding a government that fails to meet such a basic obligation?”.
The amendment forms part of the U.S. House’s foreign assistance appropriations process and would require further legislative action before becoming law.
