The U.S. Department of State has announced a $3.5 million funding opportunity to improve 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 Labor, seeks applications from organizations to strengthen reporting on attacks linked to religion and belief across the country.
A notice of funding opportunity released May 22, 2026, said the program will run for 24 to 48 months, with one award expected under a grant or cooperative agreement.
The State Department said the project is aimed at improving monitoring and documentation of abuses by both state and non-state actors.
“The Office of International Religious Freedom announces an open competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that improve documentation and reporting efforts on religious freedom abuses in Nigeria, for accountability, advocacy, and memorialization,” the notice said.
The document cited violence involving Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, Fulani ethnic militias and other armed groups, saying both Christians and Muslims have been affected.
It said human rights advocates, religious leaders, journalists and survivors have contributed to evidence documenting violence in affected regions.
The U.S. government also criticized what it described as inadequate responses by Nigerian authorities to attacks on faith communities.
“Civil society reports indicate that authorities regularly fail to respond in a timely or effective manner to violent attacks against civilians and faith communities,” the notice said.
It added that such failures contribute to impunity and further violence.
The notice also alleged that Nigerian security forces have raided places of worship during operations targeting suspected criminals.
“There are also credible reports of Nigerian security personnel raiding places of worship and injuring clergy and congregants in search of alleged criminals,” it said.
The funding announcement followed the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues under President Donald Trump’s administration.
The State Department said proposals should focus on improving accountability through monitoring, documentation and reporting of abuses committed by state and non-state actors.
Applicants are expected to prioritize activities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and identify at least four states for implementation.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public international organizations, higher education institutions and for-profit entities, though the department said it prefers nonprofit groups.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on July 9, 2026.
The Nigerian government has rejected allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that insecurity affects all citizens regardless of faith, while reaffirming cooperation with the United States on counterterrorism and security reforms.
