US Announces $3.5m Programme to Track Religious Freedom Violations in Nigeria

The United States Department of State has unveiled a $3.5 million funding initiative aimed at strengthening the monitoring, documentation and reporting of religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The programme, announced through the Office of International Religious Freedom under the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, seeks to support organisations working to document abuses linked to religion, belief and faith-based violence across the country.

According to the funding notice issued on May 22, the project is expected to run for between two and four years, with one successful applicant receiving support through either a grant or cooperative agreement.

The State Department said the initiative is intended to improve accountability by enhancing documentation and reporting mechanisms related to religious freedom violations committed by both state and non-state actors.

“The Office of International Religious Freedom announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that improve documentation and reporting efforts on religious freedom abuses in Nigeria,” the notice stated.

US officials cited reports from civil society organizations, religious leaders, academics, journalists and survivors as evidence of continuing violence affecting both Christian and Muslim communities.

The notice specifically referenced attacks attributed to Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), armed militias and other violent groups.

The State Department also criticised what it described as inadequate responses by Nigerian authorities to some attacks on religious communities.

According to the notice, the failure to respond effectively in certain cases has contributed to a culture of impunity and encouraged further violence and displacement.

The document further alleged that there have been instances in which security personnel conducted operations within places of worship while pursuing criminal suspects.

The funding programme follows President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues in November 2025.

Under the initiative, applicants are expected to prioritise activities within Nigeria’s Middle Belt region and identify at least four states where documentation and reporting projects will be implemented.

The programme is open to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, public international organizations and eligible private entities, although preference will be given to non-profit groups.

Applications are scheduled to close on July 9, 2026.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected allegations that Christians are being specifically targeted for persecution, arguing that insecurity in the country affects people of all religious backgrounds.

Federal authorities have also maintained that they remain committed to improving security, strengthening counterterrorism efforts and deepening cooperation with international partners.

The latest US initiative is nevertheless expected to intensify discussions around religious freedom, security challenges and accountability mechanisms in Africa’s most populous nation.