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Tag: USAID

  • Reps panel launches probe into $4.6bn health grants from global fund, USAID

    Reps panel launches probe into $4.6bn health grants from global fund, USAID

    The House of Representatives Committee on Infectious Diseases on Monday inaugurated an investigative hearing to probe the over $1.8 billion and $2.8 billion grants received by Nigeria from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) between 2021 and 2025 for the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as for strengthening health systems.

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, said the probe was essential to determine how the huge grants had been utilised and to ensure accountability in the management of funds aimed at tackling infectious diseases ravaging Nigerians.

    Ogah recalled that the House had, during plenary on October 21, 2025, mandated the then Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control (ATM) to investigate the matter.

    He commended Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the leadership of the House for renaming and expanding the committee’s mandate to the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, reflecting a broader focus on public health threats.

    “Nigeria continues to be battered by the ill effects of a greater burden of HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and other numerous infectious diseases.

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    “It appears that while budgetary allocations and donor funds are mobilized for the response against these health challenges, there is no reprieve in sight as Nigerians are ravaged daily,” Ogah said.

    He said the hearing became necessary to ascertain what had been done with the huge grants received, stressing that 90 percent of the country’s intervention funds for these diseases came from international partners.

    Ogah warned that Nigeria would no longer accept being a “mere spectator” in the management of grants given to it, insisting that donor funds must henceforth be managed in line with Nigeria’s priorities.

    “Any grant or assistance being given to us without us managing such a grant is unacceptable. If they would not give us such grants and assistance on our terms, then let them keep their grants,” he declared. “We must assert our capacity to take charge of our affairs, particularly in the response against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.”

    He directed the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) to ensure that all principal recipients and implementing partners submit their implementation plans for approval by the National Assembly before funds are released.

    “The era of spending Nigeria’s money without approval and accountability is over,” he warned.

    Ogah also disclosed that the House was amending the NACA Establishment Bill to transform the agency into a multi-sectoral body with an expanded mandate. When passed, the agency will be renamed the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (NACATAM).

    The hearing, he said, would help determine the level of transparency and accountability in the use of donor funds since 2021. “Anyone, whether state or non-state actors, must indeed account for every Nigerian kobo spent for the response against public health threats,” he stressed.

    With the 8th replenishment of the Global Fund expected this month, Ogah said Nigeria must move away from dependency and inefficiency in managing donor resources.

    “We must maximize and efficiently utilize the resources at our disposal by cutting out all forms of duplication and wastage, while allocating domestic resources to areas that will present greater value for Nigerians,” he said.

    He revealed that the committee would work closely with the EFCC and ICPC to ensure that principal recipients and implementing partners of all grants account to Nigerians.

    “This is even more critical when you consider that some funding for terrorist activities has been traced to grants and donor funds,” Ogah added.

    He urged implementing partners to prepare for robust parliamentary oversight, noting that some lacked proper or verifiable office addresses. The committee, he said, would hold the Ministry of Health and the Country Coordinating Mechanism responsible for ensuring accountability from all entities receiving donor grants.

    Ogah emphasised that the exercise was not a witch-hunt but a democratic measure to ensure transparency and value for public health spending.

    “This exercise is an essential ingredient of democracy and should not be seen as a vendetta or warfare,” he said. “We are very clear in our vision to ensure that no Nigerian child dies before age five from HIV, Tuberculosis, or Malaria. We want to ensure that the advocacy and commitment that will lead to the elimination of infectious diseases in our country by 2030 are championed and owned by all relevant stakeholders.”

    Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, called for a gradual end to Nigeria’s dependence on foreign aid in funding its response to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

    Pate said the country must take greater responsibility for financing its health priorities as donor funding declines after two decades of support.

    He described the probe as a welcome step toward transparency, accountability, and domestic ownership of health programmes.

    He noted that while donor assistance has saved millions of lives through HIV, TB, and malaria interventions, Nigeria’s health spending remains below 15% of the Abuja Declaration target, warning that underfunding threatens sustainability.

    Declaring the session open, Speaker Hon Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, said the investigation reflects the parliament’s resolve to ensure transparency in health funding.

    He said it would produce an evidence-based report on how the grants were received, utilized, and their impact on public health, while strengthening accountability and governance in the sector.

  • Self-reliance as solution to foreign aid withdrawal

    Self-reliance as solution to foreign aid withdrawal

    • By Samuel Jekeli

    Sir: The recent withdrawal of USAID and similar development partners from several programs in Nigeria has once again exposed the nation’s overdependence on external aid. While foreign assistance has, for decades, supported critical sectors such as health, education, and governance, the sudden halt or reduction of these partnerships has left a void that many Nigerians—especially employees and communities directly affected—are struggling to process.

    Reports of job losses, program closures, and growing psychological distress have emerged, with some Nigerians facing high blood pressure, depression, and even suicidal thoughts as a result of the abrupt disruption. These alarming trends point to a pressing need for Nigerians to work on themselves, strengthen their inner capacity, and embrace self-reliance to avoid emotional and economic collapse when support systems change or disappear.

    Human Resources (HR) experts have noted that the overdependence on foreign aid fosters a fragile workforce—one that often lacks resilience, innovation, or adaptability. Employees grow accustomed to donor-driven job roles without diversifying their skills or preparing for life beyond the funding cycle. When these roles end, as they inevitably do, the result is a wave of confusion, emotional breakdowns, and financial instability.

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    It is clear that Nigeria must begin to build its human capital from within, empowering individuals with the mind-set, skills, and emotional intelligence needed to survive and thrive in a world of uncertainty. Self-reliance starts with self-development. Every Nigerian—whether employed or unemployed—must be encouraged to see personal growth as a necessity, not a luxury. This includes lifelong learning, which calls for constantly acquiring new skills through training, certifications, and practical experience. Mental resilience must also be developed, including emotional intelligence and coping mechanisms for stress and change. Entrepreneurial thinking is equally essential, with the ability to solve problems, spot opportunities, and create value—whether in business or within existing jobs—becoming a core requirement in today’s world.

    This shift is not just about economic survival; it is about emotional well-being and mental health. By working on themselves, Nigerians reduce the risk of mental health breakdowns when external systems fail.

    To move forward, Nigerians must begin to take bold steps in various critical areas. Entrepreneurship and innovation must be embraced to build businesses that serve local needs and create employment. Agriculture, tech, fashion, and renewable energy present opportunities that remains largely untapped. Vocational and technical skills should also be prioritized beyond academic degrees, with greater emphasis on trades such as carpentry, tailoring, welding, and software development.

    There is also a growing need for financial literacy. Individuals must learn how to save, invest wisely, and develop multiple streams of income to provide a buffer against economic shocks. Mental health awareness should be promoted through counselling, community support groups, and public education to address the silent crisis of stress and depression that many face. Community development efforts must be championed by citizens who are willing to take responsibility for local issues rather than relying solely on NGOs or government interventions.

    Furthermore, young Nigerians must begin to form networks that encourage learning, accountability, and skill-sharing to equip themselves for the challenges ahead.

    The withdrawal of USAID should not spell doom. Rather, it should serve as a national wake-up call, an opportunity for Nigeria to rethink its development model, invest in its people, and encourage a culture of ownership and resilience. Nigerians must begin to understand that no support system—no matter how well-funded—can replace personal vision, competence, and self-leadership. True progress lies not in how much support a nation receives, but in how well its people are equipped to stand when the support is gone.

    •Samuel Jekeli,

    Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

  • USAID and resilience of terror in Nigeria

    USAID and resilience of terror in Nigeria

    By Charles Onunaiju

    The recent ranking of Nigeria in the global terrorism index raises concerns about what appear like the resilience of terror in the country despite the multi-pronged approaches of the security agencies to tackle it. The latest report on the Global Terrorism Index indicated that Nigeria’s condition have deteriorated, having moved from the 8th most terrorized country in the world in 2023 to the 6th position in 2024. The report further provided the gory statistics that the country had an increase of terrorist-caused deaths of 565 in 2024 as against 392 and 533 in 2022 and 2023 respectively, indicating that the terrorist trauma of Nigerians is in the upswing.

    And this comes against the background of the recent revelation by the U.S Congressman from Pennsylvania, Scott Perry that the fabled U.S aids, innocuously disguised as development support for recipient countries including Nigeria, are actually funnelled to enable and sustain terrorist groups, including Nigeria’s notorious Boko Haram in their deadly activities, which conservatively is estimated to have killed tens of thousands of people and destroyed properties worth billions of Naira. Terrorism especially the suicidal type was unheard of, in Nigeria until the early 2000’s. Even then, the activities of the Boko Haram extremist sect were confined to a very small patch of the country in the Northeast and were contained by police actions whenever they flared up.

    The dramatic escalations of the terrorist violence coincided with the collapse of the Muammar Gadhafi’s government in Libya, following the U.S-led NATO intervention that led to the assassination of the Libyan leader and to the chaos that followed. The Sahel countries in the West African sub-region along with Nigeria were quickly drawn into the vortex of terrorist belligerency and extant escalation.

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    Despite the novelty of suicidal terrorism in Nigeria, the country’s security forces responded in very forceful manner but more than 20 years later, world terrorism index ranking still identifies Nigeria as one of the world’s most ravaged by terror. The question remains where and what is the source of terrorist existential resilience in Nigeria.

    While the answers could have been guessed for so long, the definitive disclosure of the U.S Congress man in a rare moment of truth from the extreme partisan bickering in U.S recent politics threw light to the enduring resilience of the Nigeria’s terror group despite all the pressure.

    Nigeria, naturally by its size, resource-endowment and the dynamism of her diverse population should worry the Deep State strategists of the sole superpower, whose essential article of international intercourse is domination that brooks no consideration for the extant equality of all states in accordance with international law.

    The fear that a country of Nigeria’s stature can exercise strategic autonomy in her sovereign decisions and reach independent conclusions in critical global issues, thereby upending coercive influence-peddling of the obsessive hegemonic powers is real in the international ecosystem of power politics and alliance factions and cliques. From the point of the premium geo-politics, a Nigeria that is united, strong and less distracted from the acrimonious pulls of the internal conflicts with terrorism as its most toxic variant, is neither desirable nor even acceptable.

    Nigeria is a regional consequential power with high prospect of emerging as an influential voice and actor on the global stage. The fear that it can independently exercise sovereign autonomy on decisions of strategic global importance may have earned her, the burden of terror as a strategic containment to her prospective pre-eminence. The revelation that USAID is complicit in the growth and nurture of terrorism in Nigeria, while also feeding its resilience should be of more than casual interest to Nigeria’s relevant authorities.

    Despite the strenuous efforts of the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills to deny that the USAID funds have aided terrorist violence and destructions in Nigeria, especially the ultra-violent Boko-Haram, many Nigerians including members of the federal legislature would have none of that. A member of the House of Representatives Inuwa Garba has countered the claim, contending that the U.S envoy has no right to say if the allegations were true or false without adequate investigation. The Pandora box of U.S involvement in terrorist funding though mostly muted, was in the open when the U.S Congressman, Scott Perry said in a committee hearing that the USAID have helped to nurture and maintain a string of deadly terrorist organizations.

    He has said to his colleagues about the USAID funds, “who gets some of the money. Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money, your money, $697 million annually plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan terrorist groups training camps. That’s what’s its funding.”

    Bringing to the open what the ‘Deep State’ does outside the purview of normal democratic process has raised airs especially in regions and countries where the nefarious activities of the deadly terrorist gangs have wreaked havoc on lives and livelihoods, including Nigeria. Nigeria’s legislative branch has refused to let the matter go under the carpet despite the best efforts of the U.S envoy who has tried to casually dismiss the allegations.

    From what is unfolding in Washington, it appears even more convincing to keen watchers that the USAID was also a partisan conduit by a party to corruptly received kick-backs from countries allegedly helped as most monies given to these countries are funnelled back to the mostly Democratic Party operatives to the tune of about 50% of what they received.

    According to a report by Indian Express media, a US$21 million earmarked for voter “turnout in India” was actually allocated to Bangladeshi students for “political and civic engagement” before the January 2024 elections in Bangladesh. Subsequently, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina who has somehow been friendly to China was forced to resign and fled the country following prolonged massive and violent student-led protests that left several hundreds dead.

    At a speech in Miami recently, President Trump queried “why do we need to spend $21 million for voter turnout in India? Wow, $21 million! I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected”.

    However, funding student violent protests and manipulating elections might be vile but becomes insignificant compared to terrorist funding, and it is known that USAID activities were closely associated to the funding of terrorist, extremist groups and such other shadowy organizations, whose activities, Washington has seemingly used to destabilize domestic political situation in many countries and regions in the world with the overall ambition to effect regime-changes of governments and leaders whose policies does not sit in compliance with Washington’s needs and aspirations.

    Most target countries like Nigeria may no longer wonder at the resilience of the extremist groups despite the enormous pressure mounted at them by the country’s security forces including the military. It is also no brainer that the USAID offices domiciled abroad are mostly operational bases for the special services of the U.S Deep State and part of the covert activities is to create a network of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) only used as a cover for the subversive activities of the USAID.

    Thankfully, the Nigeria’s legislative branch whose members are directly representatives of the people including communities that have been adversely affected by the activities of extremist and terrorist groups, have vowed to investigate and probe the activities of USAID in the country. A dig into the activities of USAID, especially with the expose from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) might uncover the reasons for the unusual resilience of terrorist and extremist groups with some of them mutating to kidnapping and robbery gangs in Nigeria.

    •Onunaiju writes from the FCT, Abuja.

  • USAID withdrawal not north’s biggest problem – Ex-gov Babangida Aliyu

    USAID withdrawal not north’s biggest problem – Ex-gov Babangida Aliyu

    Former Niger state governor, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has declared that the withdrawal of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s aid to African countries is not the biggest challenge facing northern Nigeria.

    Nation recalls that U.S. President Donald Trump, after returning to office, agreed to shut down USAID, alleging that the agency is a “criminal organization.”

    Speaking at the 11th annual Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Lecture and Merit Awards in Bauchi, Aliyu, who chairs the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, said, “The North’s problems go beyond the withdrawal of U.S. aid agency USAID.”

    He warned that internal conflicts and worsening poverty pose greater threats to the region’s stability adding that some people are deliberately turning the Hausa against the Fulani to destabilize the region.

    “People are working to weaken the North, fueling conflicts and worsening poverty. If we don’t act fast, we will suffer the consequences,” he said.

    In his remarks, Governor Bala Mohammed called for unity, blaming the region’s struggles on years of neglect and selfish interests.

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    He assured that the Northern Governors’ Forum is working on solutions to tackle the challenges and rebuild the region.

    Also speaking, Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, reaffirmed that Nigeria’s unity and peace remain non-negotiable despite the country’s economic and security challenges.

    Mutfwang, represented by Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communication, RT Hon Joyce Lohya Ramnap, urged Nigerians to embrace diversity and foster national unity.

    He commended the legacy of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, calling on northern leaders to unite in addressing regional challenges and unlocking the North’s untapped economic potential.

  • USAID: KCCI backs scrutiny of foreign-funded NGOs amid security concerns

    USAID: KCCI backs scrutiny of foreign-funded NGOs amid security concerns

    The Kano Concerned Citizens’ Initiative (KCCI) has announced its support for the move to scrutinize the operations of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) funded by foreign-based agencies in the state.

    Publicity secretary Ahmed Aminu emphasised the urgent need to verify the motives and sources of funding for these NGOs, citing a recent revelation by a US Congressman alleging USAID’s funding of Boko Haram terrorists.

    The group vowed to support the special committee instituted to address global security threats and pledged to contribute to the committee’s success. KCCI called on all citizens of Kano State to support and cooperate with the committee in its patriotic effort to eliminate impending threats.

    Aminu stated that KCCI has been monitoring the activities of various NGOs, especially those with foreign connections, following the security concerns raised against USAID.

    He said: “The recent revelation in the US Congress of the allegation of the USAID’s funding of Boko Haram raises deep concern over the activities of NGOs that have connections with foreign aid agencies.

    “Our people are vulnerable and have become prey to exploitation by the activities of these NGOs, largely because of bad governance which had linked to economic programmes imposed by globalists.

    “Our society cannot remain indifferent to all forms of exploitations and propagation of values especially on LGBTQ+ by these agents of globalists that are hostile to our faith.

    Read Also: No evidence USAID funds Boko Haram, says U.S. Ambassador

    “It is in this light that we welcome the move by the Kano State Government to sanitize the activities of NGOs. The high-powered Committee is charged with investigating and documenting sources of funding, nature of activities, areas of intervention, and operational methods to recommend a regulatory framework that aligns with the State’s vision and development goals.

    “These are long overdue and Kano State should not remain an open field for testing ideas by the globalists because the State sets the pulse of the entire Northern Nigeria. We commend the State Government for this bold initiative,” Aminu said.

  • No evidence USAID funds Boko Haram, says U.S. Ambassador

    No evidence USAID funds Boko Haram, says U.S. Ambassador

    The United States Ambassador to Nigeria , Richard Mills Jr. yesterday kicked against the recent claim by an American congressman, Scott Perry (a Republican representing Pennsylvania)  that the  United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was being used to fund Boko Haram.

     There is no evidence, he said.

    Mills Jr. said: “Let me be clear, there is no friend of Nigeria that has been stronger on its condemnation of the violence of Boko Haram and Boko Haram’s contempt for human life than the United States.

    He spoke with reporters  on Wednesday after briefing members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), during the group’s meeting at its secretariat in Abuja, on the key elements of the new focus of US’ dealings with Nigeria.

    The Ambassador said:”We have labeled Boko Haram, since 2013, a foreign terrorist organisation, a designation that prevents Boko Haram from carrying out any asset transfers to United States, allows us to arrest and seize members of Boko Haram and allows us to cooperate in investigations with the Nigerian government.

    Read Also: USAID terror-funding allegation: NSA, DSS DG, NIA boss, others to face Senate panel

    “We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that any of our assistance funding – whether it comes from USAID, the Department of Defense, the State Department – is not diverted to a terrorist group like Boko Haram.

    “There is absolutely no evidence that I have seen  that (USAID funding Boko Haram) has occurred, and certainly if we ever have evidence presented to us that a programme funding was being diverted to Boko Haram, we would immediately investigate, along with our Nigerian partners.

    “And so, I just want to be clear that when it comes to Boko Haram, the United States stands with Nigeria in wanting to rid this country of the scourge that that organization represents,” the Ambassador said.

     To ensure the realisation of Federal Government’s drive to achieve financial independence for local governments as reflected in last year’s judgment of the Supreme Court, the Ambassador said the U.S. government would work with Nigeria.

     Mills Jr. said his country’s preparedness to assist in realising the intendment of the Supreme Court ‘s decision on local governments fiscal autonomy forms part of the policy shift of the new US’ administration’s relations with Nigeria.

    “What we would like to see is, I think, more direct engagement at the state level. Our programmes are more focused on the states. We would like to help develop capacity of the states and the local governing authorities.

    “I think this is partly driven by the Supreme Court decision last summer, that is going to give the local government areas – if this unfolds the way we think it will – perhaps some more authority, more fiscal responsibility.”

  • Reps to investigate allegations of USAID funding of Boko Haram

    Reps to investigate allegations of USAID funding of Boko Haram

    The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to follow the part set by the Senate to investigate the recent allegations by a US Congressman that USAID was used to fund activities of Boko Haram and other insurgency groups in Nigeria.

    The House said it will set up a special committee to investigate the activities of non-governmental organisations in Nigeria, their real identities, sources of funding, and what they spend their money on.

    Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Inuwa Garba (PDP, Gombe), the House observed that scores of patriotic Nigerians have expressed deep concerns over the activities of these NGOs who traverse the nooks and crannies of Northern Nigeria where the military dare not operate.

    It asked the federal government to engage with the U.S. Government through the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to obtain a formal clarification on this matter while asking the media and the general public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in their efforts to combat terrorism.

    Moving the motion, Garba expressed concern about the recent statement made by a U.S. Congressman, Scott Perry, alleging that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been involved in the sponsorship of Boko Haram and other terrorist activities in countries where the different groups operated.

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    He said: “Scott Perry made this claim during the inaugural hearing of the subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency where he claimed that $697million (were spent) annually plus shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, etc.

    “With Boko Haram’s dominant presence in Northern Nigeria, it is safe to assume that it (Boko Haram) had significantly benefitted from this funding as alleged by Scott Perry.

    “The allegation, if true, raises serious national and international security concerns and questions about external influences on Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, which has led to significant loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of over one million citizens over the years.

    “Nigeria has been battling insurgency and terrorism for over a decade, with the government committing enormous resources to counterterrorism operations while also seeking international cooperation to curb the menace.

    “Such an allegation, if not thoroughly investigated, could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, compromise national security efforts, and diminish public confidence in the fight against terrorism.

    “Failure to unearth the truth behind this weighty claim could embolden criminal and terrorist elements, further exacerbating the insecurity challenges confronting the country.”

    Contributing to the motion Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) said the allegations are grievous and need to be properly investigated, while those in charge of security in the country should interrogate the issues involved.

    He said the allegations called to question the need. To regulate NGOs and development partners in the country, adding that the fact that the allegation is coming from a US congressman is a serious matter.

    He said: “Now, we know why the fight against insurgency has been dragging on since 2009.

  • USAID terror-funding allegation: NSA, DSS DG, NIA boss, others to face Senate panel

    USAID terror-funding allegation: NSA, DSS DG, NIA boss, others to face Senate panel

    The Senate yesterday summoned the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; the Chief of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiadeye, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

    They are to brief the Red Chamber behind closed doors on the veracity or otherwise of allegation that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a key sponsor of terrorism, including Boko Haram, in the country.

    The Senate resolution followed its consideration and approval of a motion, titled: “Urgent need to investigate the alleged funding of Boko Haram by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),” sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) during plenary.

    But no date has been set for the heads of the nation’s intelligence agencies to appear before the Senate.

    In his lead debate, Ndume urged the Senate to note that on Thursday, February 13, 2025, the social media space was agog with a trending video of United States Republican Congressman Scott Perry, representing Pennsylvania, alleging at the inaugural hearing of the Sub-Committee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) that USAID has been funding terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram, across the world.

    Ndume said the Senate also noted that the allegation came on the heels of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, raising the alarm that Boko Haram and other terrorist groups were being sponsored and trained by international organisations.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Senate summons NSA, DSS DG, NIA DG over alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram by USAID

    Kaka Shehu Lawan (APC, Borno Central), who seconded the motion, noted that previous ad hoc committees of the National Assembly had investigated Boko Haram’s operations without effectively curbing their activities.

    Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Centra) also emphasised the necessity of compelling security heads to provide clarity on the matter.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio stressed the importance of hearing directly from the security agencies on the basis that classified intelligence is not for public discussion.

  • Wanted: probe of USAID terror funding claims by U.S Congressman

    Wanted: probe of USAID terror funding claims by U.S Congressman

    A startling revelation has emerged from the United States Congress, casting a shadow over International aid operations. A Republican congressman from Pennsylvania, Scott Perry has alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has inadvertently funneled millions of dollars into terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS. IBRAHIM ADAM reports how Perry’s claims have reignited debates over the transparency and oversight of American foreign aid spending.

    Congressman Perry’s allegations

    During the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency on Thursday, February 13, Perry delivered a damning critique of USAID’s financial allocations. His presentation, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” questioned how American taxpayer money was being utilised in conflict zones.

    In a now-viral video, Perry asserted that: “Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money, your money, $697 million annually, plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, and terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding,”

    Beyond terrorist financing, Perry also cited a $136 million fund meant for the construction of 120 schools in Pakistan, stating that there was no evidence of the schools’ existence.

    Furthermore, he alleged that financial support for initiatives like Operation Enduring Sentinel’s Women’s Scholarship Endowment and Young Women Lead, which receive $60 million and $5 million annually, respectively, had failed to reach the intended beneficiaries in Afghanistan.

    Citing an Inspector General’s report, Perry argued that due to Taliban restrictions on women’s education and public life, these funds were likely misappropriated.

    “Somebody else got the money. You are paying for terrorism. This has got to end,” Perry declared emphatically.

    Nigerian authorities raise concerns

    Perry’s claims align with longstanding concerns raised by Nigerian security officials. Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has previously voiced apprehensions about the financial networks sustaining Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

    In an interview with Al Jazeera, General Musa emphasised the need for an international probe into how these terror groups receive funding.

    “We have talked to international communities; let’s find out the funding. When they started surrendering, as we speak, we have over 120,000 that have surrendered. Most of them, when you find them, they are coming with hard currency. How did they get them? How are they funded? How did they get the training? How did they get the equipment?” Musa questioned.

    The CDS further suggested that an international conspiracy might be at play, sustaining Boko Haram’s insurgency for over 15 years.

    “How are they able to sustain themselves for fifteen years? That is one question I think everybody should ask. The UN needs to come in because we need to trace the funding, track it. It is international flow, and we (Nigeria) don’t have control over that.”

    Ex-JTF commander backs foreign involvement claims

    A retired Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander, Dr. Isma’il Tanko Wudilawa, has echoed concerns about foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security crisis, particularly in the tactics and operations of Boko Haram terrorists.

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    Speaking in Kano, Dr. Wudilawa pointed out that insurgents often possess advanced military training and sophisticated weaponry that could only be acquired through external partnerships.

    “The weapons used by terrorists in the forests are not purchased by the Nigerian government. They have sophisticated arms that even our security forces do not possess,” he said.

    Dr. Wudilawa claimed that captured insurgents have been found with foreign currencies, and there have been repeated sightings of helicopters allegedly supplying weapons and other resources to terrorist groups.

    “We have seen foreign currencies among captured terrorists. Also, intelligence has pointed to helicopters dropping weapons in remote areas. These are things that require further investigation.”

    USAID’s controversial track record

    Established in 1961, USAID operates in over 120 countries, funding health, education, economic development, and emergency response initiatives.

    However, the agency has increasingly come under scrutiny, particularly from conservative lawmakers, who argue that its funds are mismanaged or exploited by entities hostile to the United States.

    Since Donald Trump’s presidency began in 2017, USAID has been at the center of political debate. The Trump administration has sought to dismantle the agency, arguing that taxpayer funds should be redirected toward domestic needs rather than foreign aid.

    As part of these efforts, USAID personnel in both domestic and International offices were placed on administrative leave, with a statement on the agency’s website confirming that the leave took effect on February 7, 2024.

    The future of USAID remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that Trump may issue an executive order transferring its operations to the State Department.

    Further complicating the situation is the dismissal of USAID’s Inspector General, Paul Martin, after he published a report criticizing the Trump administration’s attempts to scale back the agency’s personnel and funding.

    Probe weighty claim: Ndume tells Fed Govt

    Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume has called on the Federal Government to investigate Perry’s allegations thoroughly.

    “You can’t say it’s just an allegation; it’s more than that,” Ndume, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.

    “That’s why the Nigerian government and the National Assembly, especially, need to look into it to investigate and verify the veracity of such a very weighty allegation,”

    Ndume emphasised that the Nigerian government should be particularly concerned about these claims, given past suspicions that foreign humanitarian agencies operating in Nigeria’s insurgent-ridden North-East zone were involved in sponsoring terrorist activities.

    “This development is very worrisome, especially because one of the terrorist organisations mentioned by Scott Perry is Boko Haram, and Boko Haram has ravaged not only the North-East but even (other parts of) Nigeria,” he said.

    Recalling past events, Ndume referenced instances where Nigerian security agencies had raised concerns about the operations of International NGOs.

    “I remember during the period of (Lieutenant General Tukur) Buratai, the Nigerian Army got intelligence and even raided the office of USAID or United Nations in Maiduguri. There was also a time when the governor got intelligence, and security agencies raided one NGO that was providing training to some of their staff on how to use guns,” he stated.

    The Senator lamented the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the North-East, noting that millions have been displaced and over 50,000 killed in about two decades since Boko Haram’s insurgency began.

    “We have been wondering for all these years where these people are getting money,” Ndume added.

    He also suggested that Nigeria should aim to become an aid-giving nation rather than one reliant on foreign assistance.

    “This issue of relying on aid from other countries is not even good for us because Nigeria, by now, is supposed to be the one that is giving out aid and not receiving aid. This is like a wake-up for all of us in government. We have everything; the only problem is the leadership. We need to fix that so that we’ll tap into what we have and be content.”

    Role of Elon Musk in USAID reforms

    Adding an unusual twist to the ongoing USAID controversy is the involvement of billionaire entrepreneur, Elon Musk.

    As a Special Government Employee and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has been instrumental in reshaping federal expenditure priorities, including USAID’s budget allocations.

    His role in advocating for stringent financial oversight has contributed to the agency’s uncertain future.

    What Happens Next?

    The allegations against USAID have prompted calls for an independent investigation into its funding mechanisms, particularly in conflict-prone regions. Lawmakers and security analysts are urging the U.S. government and international bodies to conduct a thorough audit to determine whether American foreign aid has, intentionally or otherwise, benefited terrorist organizations.

    As Nigerian authorities continue their battle against Boko Haram and ISWAP, the need for financial transparency remains paramount. If Perry’s claims hold true, it could necessitate a major overhaul of international aid operations to prevent funds from falling into the wrong hands.

  • JUST IN: Senate summons NSA, DSS DG, NIA DG over alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram by USAID

    JUST IN: Senate summons NSA, DSS DG, NIA DG over alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram by USAID

    The Senate on Wednesday summoned the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, to brief it behind closed door on the veracity or otherwise of allegation that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a key sponsor of terrorism, including Boko Haram in the country.

    Read Also: Reps to investigate Osun crisis, ask IGP to restore order

    The resolution of the Senate followed its consideration and approval of a motion titled: “Urgent need to investigate the alleged funding of Boko Haram by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC – Borno South) during plenary.

    However, no date has been set for the heads of the Nation’s intelligence agencies to appear before the Senate.

    Details shortly…