The United States government has approved $413.046 million (about ₦587 billion) to support counter-insurgency and broader security operations in Nigeria and other African countries under the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defence Authorisation Act.
The funding, allocated under Title XLIII – Operation and Maintenance, forms part of the budget for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and underscores Washington’s increasing strategic focus on Africa amid escalating security challenges across West Africa.
The NDAA, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 18, 2025, authorises a total of $901 billion in military spending, including a four per cent pay increase for US troops.
The Act approved AFRICOM’s entire funding request of $413.046 million, although it did not specify how the funds would be apportioned among beneficiary countries.
The new allocation comes shortly after AFRICOM supplied military equipment to Nigerian security agencies as part of ongoing joint counter-terrorism cooperation. It also follows Christmas Day airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State, reportedly authorised by the Trump administration.
Beyond funding provisions, the NDAA also establishes a new Bureau of African Affairs within the US Department of State, to be led by an Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.
According to the Act, the bureau will be responsible for overseeing the execution of US foreign policy and assistance programmes across sub-Saharan Africa.
“There shall be in the Department of State a Bureau of African Affairs, which shall perform such functions related to implementation of United States foreign policy and assistance to sub-Saharan Africa as the Under Secretary for Political Affairs may prescribe,” the Act states.
It further provides that the Assistant Secretary “shall maintain continuous observation and coordination of all matters pertaining to implementation of United States foreign policy in sub-Saharan Africa.”
The legislation also mandates a comprehensive assessment of Russia’s military strategy and force posture in Africa, including overseas bases, logistics networks and power projection capabilities.
Analysts view the move as part of a broader US effort to counter Moscow’s growing influence on the continent.
In a related development, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for stronger strategic cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the United States Army in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the US Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Lt. Col. Semira Moore, Shaibu praised the longstanding partnership between both forces, noting that Nigeria had benefited significantly from American professionalism and institutional expertise.
“The Nigerian Army remains eager to leverage the extensive experience of the US Army in both kinetic and non-kinetic operations,” Shaibu said.
He also called for expanded collaboration in areas such as operational effectiveness, capacity development, doctrine formulation and strategic planning.
In her response, Lt. Col. Moore reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army, particularly in capacity building, intelligence sharing and humanitarian efforts.
“The United States remains committed to supporting the Nigerian Army in key non-kinetic areas, including humanitarian assistance and troop welfare initiatives,” she said.
