Washington, D.C. — The United States has signed a five-year, $2.1 billion health aid agreement with Nigeria, focusing on HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, polio prevention, and maternal and child health. The deal, announced on Saturday, also emphasises support for Christian faith-based health providers, reflecting rising concerns over religious violence.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson said Nigeria will contribute nearly $3 billion over the same period to expand health services nationwide. The official added that the agreement “was negotiated in connection with reforms the Nigerian Government has made to prioritise protecting Christian populations from violence.”
The move comes after President Donald Trump drew global attention last month when he declared Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria and other countries. He threatened military action in Nigeria in response to attacks on Christians and placed the country back on the U.S. list of nations of “particular concern” for religious freedom.
“Nigeria has committed to reforms aimed at reducing attacks on Christian communities,” the State Department said.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is roughly divided between a predominantly Muslim north and a mainly Christian south. The government has consistently stated that it does not tolerate religious persecution, but it continues to grapple with a jihadist insurgency that began in 2009. The UN estimates the conflict has killed at least 40,000 people, both Christians and Muslims and displaced about two million.
The agreement mirrors a similar $2.5 billion U.S. health aid deal signed with Kenya earlier this month, marking a renewed focus on bilateral health partnerships under Trump’s administration. Since returning to power, Trump has shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and overhauled American foreign aid policies under his “America First” agenda.
About the Author
