US House passes bill to cut foreign aid to Nigeria over religious violence

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would restrict foreign assistance to Nigeria until the government takes measurable steps to protect Christian communities suffering from religious violence, according to the text of the legislation. The measure reflects growing scrutiny in Washington of Nigeria's record on religious freedom and the treatment of religious minorities.

Supporters of the bill argue that conditioning aid will pressure Nigerian authorities to do more to prevent attacks on religious communities and to prosecute those responsible. Nigerian officials have previously pushed back on characterizations of the violence as primarily religious in nature, pointing instead to a complex mix of factors including land disputes, banditry and the activities of armed groups in the country's north and center.

The bill must still pass the Senate and be signed into law before any aid restrictions could take effect. Nigeria is one of the largest recipients of U.S. assistance in sub-Saharan Africa, and any reduction could affect health, security and development programs across the country.