A U.S. congressman is calling for a fresh look at the American security aid being sent to Nigeria, raising alarms about human rights issues and accountability under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Riley Moore (R-WV) made this request on Wednesday, asking the U.S. Department of State to rethink the funding planned for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. He pointed out that Nigeria hasn’t met crucial conditions tied to this aid, such as being transparent, showing measurable progress in security efforts, and sticking to international human rights standards.
In a statement directed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Moore expressed that the Nigerian government has not lived up to the expectations set by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.
“I believe the Tinubu administration has not fulfilled the conditions linked to security assistance,” Moore stated, emphasizing that this should influence decisions regarding future funding.
He highlighted the ongoing violence in northern Nigeria, including attacks on religious communities, as proof that current strategies aren’t yielding the desired results.
Along with fellow lawmaker Chris Smith (R-NJ), he recently introduced legislation that calls for detailed annual reports on Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard vulnerable groups. Additionally, lawmakers have backed Nigeria’s redesignation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), a designation that could lead to sanctions over violations of religious freedom.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected claims of systemic religious persecution. President Tinubu has previously criticized the CPC designation, arguing it misrepresents the country’s security challenges and overlooks efforts to protect citizens of all faiths.
Military authorities in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, maintain that cooperation with the U.S. particularly in intelligence sharing and equipment support—has strengthened operations against insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and armed bandits.
The review could affect hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. security assistance earmarked for counter-insurgency efforts in West Africa. Analysts say any reduction or restructuring of aid may have significant implications for Nigeria’s military operations and broader regional security strategy.
With discussions underway in Washington, the decision on future funding is expected to shape the trajectory of U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation in the coming years.