US Commits $3.5 Million To Monitor Religious Freedom Violations In Nigeria
Funding initiative aims to improve documentation of religious freedom abuses, accountability efforts, and reporting across key regions in Nigeria.
US Commits $3.5 Million To Monitor Religious Freedom Violations In Nigeria
The United States Department of State has announced a $3.5 million (approximately N5 billion) funding opportunity aimed at improving the documentation and reporting of religious freedom abuses in Nigeria.
The initiative, unveiled by the Office of International Religious Freedom under the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, seeks applications from organisations capable of strengthening monitoring and reporting efforts on attacks linked to religion and belief across the country.
According to a funding notice released on May 22, 2026, the programme is expected to run for between 24 and 48 months, with one award anticipated under either a grant or cooperative agreement.
The State Department said the project is designed to enhance efforts to monitor and document abuses committed by both state and non-state actors in Nigeria.
“The Office of International Religious Freedom announces an open competition for organisations interested in submitting applications for projects that improve documentation and reporting efforts on religious freedom abuses in Nigeria, for accountability, advocacy, and memorialisation,” the notice stated.
The document referenced violence linked to extremist groups and armed actors operating in different parts of the country, noting that both Christians and Muslims have been affected by attacks over the years.
It also cited concerns raised by civil society groups regarding the response to attacks targeting communities and places of worship, arguing that inadequate accountability can contribute to continued violence and displacement.
The funding initiative follows President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues in November 2025.
Under the programme, successful applicants are expected to focus on improving accountability through monitoring, documenting, and reporting alleged violations. Proposed projects must prioritise activities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region and identify at least four states for implementation.
The funding opportunity is open to both US-based and foreign non-profit organisations, public international organisations, higher education institutions, and eligible private entities. Applications are expected to close on July 9, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that insecurity affects citizens regardless of religious affiliation and highlighting ongoing cooperation with the United States on counterterrorism efforts and security reforms.
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