The U.S. government has launched an investigation into how foreign aid allocated to Nigeria and other countries has been utilized, following concerns that some funds may have inadvertently supported terrorist organizations.
This follows former President Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025, decision to suspend all foreign aid for 90 days, citing global destabilization risks and a need to align spending with American interests.
The move comes after U.S. Congressman Scott Perry alleged that funds from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) may have ended up supporting terrorist groups, including Boko Haram. Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made the claims during a congressional hearing on government efficiency, stating that nearly $697 million in U.S. aid could be linked to funding for terror groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram.
In response, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria reiterated its commitment to monitoring aid distribution, emphasizing that strict evaluation systems are in place to ensure funds reach their intended recipients. The mission also reaffirmed the U.S. stance against Boko Haram, highlighting that the group was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2013 to block its assets, disrupt fundraising, and restrict members’ travel to the U.S.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has announced plans to absorb 28,000 health workers whose salaries were previously covered by USAID funding. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, confirmed efforts to integrate these workers into the national healthcare system to reduce dependence on foreign aid.
