The United States Department of State has unveiled a $3.5 million (about ₦5 billion) funding programme aimed at strengthening the documentation and reporting of religious freedom violations across Nigeria.
The initiative, announced by the Office of International Religious Freedom under the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, seeks to support organisations working to monitor, document and report attacks linked to religion and belief in the country.
According to the funding notice released on May 22, 2026, the programme will run for a period of 24 to 48 months, with one successful applicant expected to receive the award through either a grant or cooperative agreement.
The US government said the project is designed to improve accountability, advocacy and memorialisation efforts by enhancing the collection of evidence on religious freedom abuses committed by both state and non-state actors.
“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,” the notice stated.
The document highlighted the impact of violent groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Fulani ethnic militias and other armed actors, noting that both Christians and Muslims have been affected by years of violence.
It stated that human rights advocates, religious leaders, journalists, academics and survivors have contributed to a growing body of evidence showing widespread attacks against faith communities across the country.
The US also expressed concerns over what it described as inadequate responses by Nigerian authorities to attacks targeting civilians and religious groups.
According to the notice, reports from civil society organisations suggest that security agencies often fail to respond effectively or promptly to violent incidents, creating an atmosphere of impunity that encourages further attacks and displacement.
The document further alleged that there have been credible reports of security personnel raiding places of worship and injuring clergy and worshippers while searching for suspected criminals.
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The State Department said the funding programme follows President Donald Trump's decision in November 2025 to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over issues relating to religious freedom.
Under the initiative, successful applicants will be expected to focus on monitoring, documenting and reporting religious freedom abuses, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Organisations must identify at least four states where project activities will be implemented.
The programme is open to US and foreign-based non-profit organisations, public international organisations, academic institutions and for-profit entities, although preference will be given to non-profit groups.
Applications for the funding opportunity are expected to close on July 9, 2026.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that insecurity affects Nigerians irrespective of faith and insisting that it remains committed to working with international partners on security reforms and counterterrorism efforts.
