US offers $3.5m to track religious violence in Nigeria
The United States Department of State has announced a $3.5 million funding initiative to improve the documentation and reporting of religious freedom abuses in Nigeria. The programme, unveiled by the Office of International Religious Freedom, seeks to support organisations that can strengthen efforts to monitor attacks linked to religion and belief. According to the notice of funding opportunity released on May 22, 2026, the project will run for 24 to 48 months. Applications are due by July 9, 2026.
What we know
- The US Department of State is offering $3.5 million to support better documentation of religious freedom abuses in Nigeria.
- The funding opportunity was announced on May 22, 2026, and applications close on July 9, 2026.
- The initiative targets both state and non-state actors involved in religious violence, including groups like Boko Haram and Fulani ethnic militias.
- The US government criticised Nigerian authorities for inadequate responses to attacks on faith communities, especially Christians.
- The programme follows President Donald Trump’s decision in November 2025 to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues.
