US congress okays 50% cut in aid to Nigeria over Christian persecution

The United States House of Representatives has approved a 50 percent cut in assistance to Nigeria over the federal government's failure to protect Christian communities from religious violence. The NSRP Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $47.32 billion. Half of U.S. assistance will be withheld until the Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria has taken measurable actions to protect Christians. Congressman Riley M. Moore pushed the provisions, and funds are earmarked to address violence in the Middle Belt region.