A U.S. congressman, Riley Moore from West Virginia’s 2nd District, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for failing to meet conditions tied to American security aid for Nigeria.
In a post on X dated Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Moore called on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to factor in the lapse when handling upcoming funding.
“In my view, the Tinubu administration has failed to live up to the conditions the appropriations committee placed on security assistance.
“I urge @SecRubio to take this into account in administering both FY26 and FY27 funding,” he wrote.
These fiscal years (FY26 and FY27) span October 1 to September 30, marking the next budget cycles where Congress sets foreign aid levels.
The aid in question covers vital U.S. support to Nigeria, including military training, equipment, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism efforts against insurgency, banditry, and organized crime.
Congress approves it with strings attached - like human rights compliance, fund accountability, and real progress on security threats.
Moore’s remarks build on his prior rebukes of Nigeria’s government over rampant insecurity, especially violence targeting Christian communities.
The lawmaker had also in a Punch Online report, late last year, accused the Federal Government of failing to justify billions of dollars in military assistance received from Washington while alleging continued killings of Christians.
“My brothers and sisters in Christ are murdered for practising their faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ,” Moore said at the time, warning that prolonged inaction could worsen the situation.
He further argued that despite years of support from the United States, including provision of training and equipment, the crisis had persisted without sufficient response from Nigerian authorities.
“If we do not address this and some terrorists take hold in Nigeria, we would have to address it one way or the other. I would like to do it cooperatively with Nigerians,” he said.
Nigeria’s Federal Government, however, dismisses accusations that its security woes stem from targeted religious persecution, insisting violence hits Christians and Muslims alike amid wider threats.
Earlier this year, the Defence Headquarters assured reports that U.S. military cooperation respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and costs the nation nothing.
It confirmed around 100 U.S. personnel and equipment arrived in February after bilateral talks between Nigerian and U.S. officials.
Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, stated the partnership aims to bolster Nigeria’s fight against emerging security dangers.
Still, Rep. Riley Moore insists Nigeria’s compliance with U.S. aid conditions will shape future funding, hinting at tighter oversight for upcoming fiscal years.
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