A proposed US aid suspension to Nigeria has raised concerns among public health and development experts after the United States House of Representatives voted to withhold 100 per cent of American assistance over concerns about alleged continued killings of Christians and worsening insecurity. Although the measure has not yet become law, stakeholders say its implementation could significantly affect healthcare, humanitarian interventions, employment and other development programmes supported by the United States.
The amendment, sponsored by Congressman Gregory Steube, was adopted during consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 State Department Appropriations Bill. Under the proposal, American assistance to Nigeria would remain suspended until the US Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria has taken measurable steps to address the violence and prosecute those responsible. The proposal must still receive approval from the US Senate and be signed by President Donald Trump before it can take effect.
Following the vote, Steube stated, “American taxpayers should never bankroll governments that turn a blind eye while Christians are abducted, tortured, and murdered.”
For more than two decades, Nigeria has ranked among the largest recipients of US foreign assistance. According to figures cited in the report, the United States provided $1.16 billion in assistance in 2022, approximately $1.02 billion in 2023, and about $767 million in 2024. The funding has supported programmes implemented through USAID, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other agencies, including HIV/AIDS treatment, tuberculosis control, malaria prevention, maternal and child healthcare, education, agriculture, water and sanitation, humanitarian relief and security reforms.
Speaking on the implications of the proposed US aid suspension, Chairman of the Public Health Sustainable Advocacy Initiative (PHSAI), Barrister Ayo Adebusoye, described the House vote as a serious diplomatic signal. He said, “Nigeria should see this as a serious diplomatic warning, not just another aid issue. The concern goes beyond money. It is about insecurity, accountability and the protection of human lives.” He noted that the proposal had not yet become law but urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with Washington while demonstrating measurable improvements in security.
Adebusoye also cautioned against viewing the issue solely through a religious lens. According to him, “The victims include Christians, Muslims, farmers, humanitarian workers and ordinary citizens. Government’s response must focus on protecting every Nigerian and ensuring perpetrators are prosecuted.” He further warned that Nigeria’s HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, immunisation, maternal and child health and disease surveillance programmes rely substantially on US support and could face disruption if funding is eventually withdrawn.
Also commenting, National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Dr Casmir Ifeanyi, described the proposal as “double jeopardy” for ordinary Nigerians. While acknowledging international concern over insecurity, he argued that withdrawing assistance would primarily affect vulnerable citizens. He said, “The United States is justified in drawing attention to them. But withdrawing aid is like killing an ant with a sledgehammer.”
Ifeanyi stated that more than 70 per cent of international health assistance to Nigeria comes from the United States, warning that programmes covering HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria prevention, immunisation, maternal healthcare, tuberculosis control and humanitarian interventions could come under severe pressure if the proposal becomes law.
He urged Nigeria to strengthen domestic financing for healthcare, improve governance, address insecurity and reduce dependence on foreign assistance. Experts interviewed maintained that while the House vote is not yet final, it highlights the need for sustained security reforms and greater investment in nationally funded health and development programmes.
