The United States Department of State has introduced a $3.5 million (about N5 billion) funding initiative aimed at strengthening the monitoring and documentation of religious freedom violations across Nigeria.
The programme, launched through the Office of International Religious Freedom under the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, invites qualified organisations to submit proposals focused on improving reporting mechanisms for faith-related attacks nationwide.
According to a funding notice issued on May 22, 2026, the project will run for a duration of between 24 and 48 months, with a single award to be granted either as a cooperative agreement or grant.
The initiative is designed to enhance accountability by supporting efforts to track abuses attributed to both government and non-state actors.
The notice highlights ongoing violence involving groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, as well as armed militias, noting that both Christian and Muslim communities have been affected.
It also referenced contributions from civil society groups, researchers, journalists and survivors in building evidence of widespread attacks linked to religious identity.
The US government further raised concerns over what it described as delayed or insufficient responses by Nigerian authorities to incidents targeting faith communities, warning that such gaps could contribute to continued violence and displacement.
The document also cited reports alleging that security operatives had, in some instances, conducted raids on worship centres while pursuing suspected criminals, resulting in injuries to clergy and worshippers.
The funding move follows the decision by Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues in November 2025.
Under the programme guidelines, applicants are expected to focus on regions such as the Middle Belt and identify at least four states for implementation.
Eligible applicants include non-profit organisations, academic institutions, international bodies and private entities, although preference will be given to non-profits. Submissions close on July 9, 2026.
The Nigerian government has, however, consistently denied allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that insecurity in the country affects citizens regardless of religious affiliation while reaffirming cooperation with the US on security matters.
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