News Update
THE United States Department of State is offering $3.5 million to fund projects that document religious freedom abuses in Nigeria, according to a notice released May 22, 2026.
The Office of International Religious Freedom, under the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, said it seeks applications from organizations that can strengthen reporting on attacks linked to religion and belief. The program will run 24 to 48 months, with one award anticipated under a grant or cooperative agreement.
“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 said attacks by Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, Fulani ethnic militias, and other armed groups have affected both Christians and Muslims. It added that civil society reports indicate Nigerian authorities “regularly fail to respond in a timely or effective manner to violent attacks against civilians and faith communities, and particularly attacks against Christians.”
“This leads to widespread impunity for violence which encourages more violence, leading to further abuses and displacements,” the notice stated.
It also cited “credible reports of Nigerian security personnel raiding places of worship and injuring clergy and congregants in search of alleged criminals.”
The State Department said the funding follows President Donald Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues.
“President Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern placed a spotlight on the severity of these longstanding and worsening problems,” the document stated.
Proposals should aim to improve accountability through monitoring, documenting, and reporting of abuses by state or non-state actors. Applicants should prioritize activities in the Middle Belt and identify at least four states for implementation.
Eligible applicants include US and foreign non-profit organizations, public international organizations, higher education institutions, and for-profit entities. The department said it prefers working with non-profit groups.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, July 9, 2026.