US State Department Announces $3.5 Million Grant to Strengthen Documentation of Religious Freedom Abuses in Nigeria

The United States Department of State has unveiled a $3.5 million funding opportunity (approximately ₦5 billion) aimed at improving the documentation, reporting, and accountability mechanisms surrounding religious freedom abuses in Nigeria.

The initiative, announced through the U.S. State Department’s Office of International Religious Freedom (IRF), seeks applications from qualified organizations capable of strengthening efforts to monitor, document, and report violations of religious freedom across the country. The funding opportunity was officially released on May 22, 2026, and applications are expected to close on July 9, 2026.

According to the Notice of Funding Opportunity issued by the State Department, the programme is designed to support projects that enhance the documentation and reporting of religious freedom abuses for the purposes of accountability, advocacy, and memorialization. The initiative is expected to run for a period of 24 to 48 months, with one grant award anticipated under either a grant or cooperative agreement framework.

The Office of International Religious Freedom stated that the project will focus on improving the collection of credible information relating to abuses committed by both state and non-state actors. The programme is intended to strengthen evidence-based reporting and contribute to efforts aimed at protecting internationally recognised rights relating to freedom of religion and belief.

The State Department defines religious freedom in line with Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right of individuals to adopt, change, practise, and teach their religion or beliefs without coercion. The funding notice emphasises that supported projects must address restrictions on religious freedom while remaining consistent with U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign non-governmental organisations, institutions of higher education, public international organisations, and certain private entities, subject to the conditions outlined in the funding announcement.

The announcement comes amid continued international concern over incidents of religiously motivated violence, discrimination, and restrictions on freedom of belief in parts of Nigeria. By investing in stronger documentation and reporting systems, the U.S. government says it aims to support accountability efforts and improve the quality of information available to policymakers, human rights advocates, and affected communities.

The $3.5 million initiative represents one of the latest U.S.-backed efforts focused on advancing religious freedom and human rights protections in Nigeria through improved monitoring, reporting, and legal accountability mechanisms.