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  • USAID terror funding: Offer humanitarian aid without compromising host community security – APC Chieftain tells international NGOs

    USAID terror funding: Offer humanitarian aid without compromising host community security – APC Chieftain tells international NGOs

    …urges relevant government agencies to collaborate with NGOs, local communities

    A security expert and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Amb. Nurain Abayomi Mumuni has called on the international agencies operating in Nigeria to carry out their humanitarian supports without undermining the security of the host communities. 

    Mumuni made this call in the wake of a recent indictments of US aid agency, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for allegedly funding terrorist organizations including Boko Haram, both in Nigeria and various regions across the globe. 

    Recall that Scott Perry, a United States Congressman representing Pennsylvania, had earlier accused the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, of funding terrorist organizations like Boko Haram.

    Perry disclosed this at the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency on Thursday.

    But, the security expert while reacting on Saturday via a press statement issued by his aide, Rasheed Abubakar, noted that these allegations raise crucial questions not only about the integrity of humanitarian aid but also about the broader implications for global security and diplomatic relations.

    He said that the ongoing crises in Nigeria, characterized by the actions of Boko Haram and other armed groups, demand a delicate balance between providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring that aid does not inadvertently bolster insurgency or terrorist activities. 

    The APC chieftain while speaking further, maintained that it is imperative that organizations involved in the distribution of aid conduct thorough risk assessments to ensure that resources reach those in need without weakening the already fragile security landscape.

    Mumuni added that the indictments highlight the pressing need for enhanced oversight and accountability in international aid programs. It is crucial for agencies like USAID to fortify their mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the impact of their initiatives. This includes ensuring that aid reaches its intended recipients and is not diverted to support violent extremism.

    According to him, “I am deeply concerned about the recent indictments alleging that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has unwittingly sponsored terrorism both in Nigeria and various regions across the globe. These allegations raise crucial questions not only about the integrity of humanitarian aid but also about the broader implications for global security and diplomatic relations.

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    “The ongoing crises in Nigeria, characterized by the actions of Boko Haram and other armed groups, demand a delicate balance between providing humanitarian assistance and ensuring that aid does not inadvertently bolster insurgency or terrorist activities. It is imperative that organizations involved in the distribution of aid conduct thorough risk assessments to ensure that resources reach those in need without weakening the already fragile security landscape.

    “The indictments highlight the pressing need for enhanced oversight and accountability in international aid programs. It is crucial for agencies like USAID to fortify their mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the impact of their initiatives. This includes ensuring that aid reaches its intended recipients and is not diverted to support violent extremism.

    Speaking further, the author of “Global Terrorism and its Effects on Humanity” said the situation underscores the importance of relevant government agencies collaborating with NGOs and local communities. 

    “Stakeholders must engage in responsible dialogue to develop strategies that address vulnerability and aid dependency while combating terrorism. Increased training for personnel dealing with humanitarian efforts can enhance understanding of local dynamics and help negate unintended consequences.

    “Furthermore, these allegations, if substantiated, may lead to increased scrutiny of U.S. foreign aid policies and underscore the need for reform. A transparent approach to funding and a commitment to ethical standards in humanitarian assistance are paramount. The U.S. government must reinforce its commitment to preventing terrorism financing and take necessary measures to ensure that aid serves as a conduit for peace and stability rather than violence.

    “Also, while the intention behind humanitarian assistance is to promote development and alleviate suffering, this recent unsettling development serves as a reminder that vigilance and strategic foresight are essential. It is our collective responsibility to re-evaluate our approaches to international aid and security to prevent the unintended sponsorship of terrorism. We must prioritize establishing trust with local populations, investing in capacity-building, and ensuring that our resources do not inadvertently contribute to violence.

    “The allegations against USAID regarding the sponsorship of terrorism mainly revolve around claims that its financial and aid efforts in certain regions, particularly in Nigeria, may have inadvertently supported terrorist organizations. Here are key points outlining the details of these allegations:

    “There are assertions that aid provided by USAID has been misappropriated or siphoned off to support militant groups such as Boko Haram. Lack of effective monitoring has led to concerns that resources intended for humanitarian purposes are instead being exploited by insurgents.

    “Critics argue that USAID has not implemented sufficient oversight mechanisms to track the distribution and impact of its funding. This has raised alarms about the potential for funds to inadvertently contribute to local instability or violence.

    “Reports indicate that USAID may not have been conducting thorough enough risk assessments when engaging with local partners or agencies in conflict-affected areas, leading to collaborations that could bolster extremist factions.

    “Local Dynamics and Partnerships: The allegations point to a lack of understanding of the complex socio-political landscapes in which USAID operates. It has been suggested that partnerships with local NGOs, which may have ties to problematic groups, have facilitated the unintended support of violence and terrorism.

    “Government Investigations. There are ongoing inquiries and investigations into how USAID’s funding flows are managed. These investigations aim to identify any systemic failures or lapses in protocol that might have led to the sponsorship of terrorism.

    “The issues facing USAID are not isolated. They reflect broader challenges within international aid organizations, which sometimes face scrutiny over their impact in regions plagued by conflict, where the line between humanitarian aid and enabling insurgency can be blurred.

    “If the allegations hold merit, they could lead to significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and aid strategies in conflict zones, potentially leading to reforms aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.

    “Understanding these allegations requires recognizing the intricate challenges faced by international aid organizations in unstable environments, where the need for humanitarian assistance often collides with security concerns”, he added. 

  • US Congressman alleges USAID funded Boko Haram, other terror groups

    US Congressman alleges USAID funded Boko Haram, other terror groups

    A United States Congressman, Scott Perry has alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram, through its financial aid programmes.

    Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made this claim during the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency yesterday (Thursday, February 13).

    In his presentation, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” he questioned USAID’s funding allocations, suggesting that American taxpayer money was being misused to support terrorist groups.

    In a video that has since gone viral, Perry said: “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,”

    The Congressman further alleged that USAID had misallocated $136 million meant for constructing 120 schools in Pakistan, yet there was no evidence of the schools’ existence.

    He also claimed that financial support for initiatives such as Operation Enduring Sentinel’s Women’s Scholarship Endowment and Young Women Lead, which receive $60 million and $5 million annually, respectively, had not reached the intended beneficiaries in Afghanistan.

    Citing an Inspector General’s report, Perry suggested that the Taliban’s restrictions on women’s participation in public life made it improbable that these funds had been used as intended.

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

    Perry’s allegations come amid growing concerns from Nigerian authorities regarding the financial support mechanisms sustaining Boko Haram.

    In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa expressed concerns about how certain International Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operate in conflict zones, particularly in the North-East, where Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents are active.

    He urged the United Nations (UN) to investigate the sources of funding for terror groups, adding that many insurgents found in Nigerian military operations have been caught with foreign currencies.

    Read Also: USAID State2State seek end to open defecation

    “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?”

    General Musa suggested that there could be an international conspiracy behind Boko Haram’s sustained insurgency over the past 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 and track it. It is an international flow, and we (Nigeria) don’t have control over that.”

    USAID, established in 1961, is responsible for providing foreign aid and development assistance in over 120 countries. The agency funds initiatives in health, education, economic development, and emergency response, often operating in conflict-prone regions.

    However, it has faced increasing scrutiny, particularly from conservative lawmakers, who argue that its funds are mismanaged or exploited by groups hostile to the United States.

    Since President Donald Trump assumed office on January 20, USAID has been under intense criticism. The Trump administration has pursued efforts to dismantle the agency, arguing that taxpayer funds should prioritise domestic needs over foreign aid.

    The administration’s decision to place USAID staff on administrative leave, both in the U.S. and abroad, was met with backlash from Democratic lawmakers and human rights groups, who warned of the humanitarian consequences of limiting the agency’s work.

    In a statement on its website, USAID confirmed that staff leave would commence before midnight on February 7, 2024. The agency’s future remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that Trump may issue an executive order transferring USAID operations to the State Department.

    Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding USAID has intensified following the dismissal of the agency’s Inspector General, Paul Martin.

    Trump dismissed Martin after his report criticised the administration’s efforts to scale back USAID’s personnel and funding. The report highlighted that the agency’s $8.2 billion in taxpayer-funded humanitarian assistance had become increasingly difficult to monitor due to staffing shortages and funding freezes.

    The decision to curtail USAID’s operations has also been linked to billionaire Elon Musk, who, in his role as a Special Government Employee and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been involved in reshaping government expenditure priorities. 

  • Conflicts in DR Congo and across Africa

    Conflicts in DR Congo and across Africa

    The 38th African Union (AU) Summit kicked off two days ago 12th to 16th February 2025. Some of the key issues lined up for discussions include the ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the internal conflicts in Sudan, and peace in the Sahel region. Other major points of discussion will also include intra-Africa trade and development. I also reckon that the African leaders will discuss Trump 2.0 and the actions taken so far by President Trump on Africa e.g. withdrawal of Aid, suspension of USAID, etc.

    This meeting is happening as the 72hours ultimatum given by Mouvement du Mars (M23) rebels to the displaced persons to move out of camps in Goma and return to their villages will expire today, with the threat by M23 to escalate their offensive by advancing to take over the city of Bukavu, having taken over Goma, the capital city of the Northern Kivu region in eastern DRC, two weeks ago.

     The President of the DRC, Mr. Felix Tshisekedi, has been grappling with the situation as he tries to find a solution to this complicated and protracted situation that has kept the DRC on its knees for decades.  So far, the regional blocs of Southern and Eastern Africa have not been able to broker a cease-fire, talk less of a workable peace process. I hope that a workable and sustainable outcome will be achieved soonest so as to immediately scale down and subsequently stop the brutal socioeconomic and humanitarian crises in the DRC which will certainly have a negative concomitant impact on eastern and Southern Africa.

     The DRC is facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world today, with millions of internally displaced persons in the northern and southern Kivu regions. I do hope that the ongoing AU Summit will bring about a precursor to lasting peace in DRC. Of course, it will be a long process, due to the protracted and complicated nature of the situation with so many unseen hands from the neighboring countries and even the intercontinental “Deep States”.

     The disposition and intent of critical stakeholders like President Paul Kagame of Rwanda is crucial, to making any meaningful headway to achieve an effective cease-fire and peace process. This is because of previous unsuccessful attempts. For example, in December last year, the peace meeting that took place in Luanda, Angola, was unsuccessful. President Joao Lourenco of Angola, was not able to anchor a conversation, most especially because the DRC government was not really keen on engaging directly with the M23 rebel forces, while the Rwandan authority would like the M23 rebels to have a direct conversation with the DRC government. Rwanda is considered the unseen hand behind the M23 group with Paul Kagame backing them for over 25 years, even though the Republic of Rwanda has consistently denied so. Therefore, due to the non-inclusion of the M23 group, President Paul Kagame did not attend the summit, and consequently, the Summit was a flop. What remains to be seen is if some of the provisions for the meeting that failed in Luanda will be addressed in subsequent engagements, because of the complexities around the DRC situation. Another snag is the spat between Rwanda and South Africa, which happened over a week ago. The diplomatic tension between Rwanda and South Africa is another key issue to be addressed if any good progress is to be made. This is because South Africa is part of the intervention alliance that is supporting the DRC in fighting the M23 rebel forces. We may recall that in 2012, the M23 rebels took over Goma. Subsequently, the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) in alliance with the Kenyan forces and South African forces were able to push back the M23 out of Goma.

     It is worthy of note that pursuing lasting peace in those troubled regions of the DRC is a very tricky situation due to geopolitical, economic, and sociological reasons. For instance; while DRC and its allies are saying that they are committed to protecting and defending the civilian population in the DRC; one of the claims of the M23 rebels is that they are protecting the Tutsis ethnic minorities who live near around Eastern region of DRC bordering the Republic of Rwanda – from marginalization and victimization. How those sensitivities will be addressed in the overall interest of all the power blocs will be a critical success factor. I am not really that optimistic that a concrete peace process will be achieved at the AU Summit, but I look forward to an outcome that will placate all stakeholders as a good way forward.

     The DRC also accuses the M23 of looting the Country’s solid resources, which include Coltan.  The DRC supplies half of the world’s Coltan – the metal used in making mobile phones and laptops. So, the Western Countries and companies are also being blamed, for being amongst the unseen hands that are escalating the conflict in the DRC, and that is why the situation in DRC is so pathetic – just like the cases in other parts of Africa. That is why as I stated earlier, I am not really excited that a solution is in the offing just yet. There is so much focus on the M23 rebels, and rightly so because they have been more frontal and consistently impactful. But the alleged activities of the “Deep State” of the Western world and other “interest groups”, and power blocs, further complicate the DRC situation. For example, the Republic of Burundi is an interested party that is alleged to have some spots with some rebels across the border with DRC. Uganda is also fighting with some rebel forces across its border with the DRC. And there is the crisis in the Central African Republic, which is neighboring DRC and shares its eastern border with DRC – and the threat/ ripple effect that may pose to the DRC and vice versa. The huge “Deep State” players that are plundering the Country’s resources will never want the DRC to have peace. Of course, we know that the “Deep States” have direct and indirect connections with some of the conflicts so as to ensure that peace does not prevail in DR where there are abundant mineral resources that the West so much desires.

     In addition, across the northern border of the DRC, South Sudan is engrossed in communal crisis. There is also a huge humanitarian crisis in the Republic of Sudan which is at the northern border of South Sudan. The Republic of Chad which is neighboring Central Africa (Central Africa Republic is sandwiched between the Republic of Chad and the DRC) is fighting with ISIS terrorists and pockets of minor internal political tensions. Growing terrorist activities in the Sahel belt with the breakaway of the Military Juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS are other dimensions that threaten regional and continental peace and prosperity of Africa.

     Therefore, the leadership of Eastern and Southern Africa as well as the entire continent of Africa; must achieve regional and continental peace, if any meaningful intra-Africa trade and economic growth can be achieved for Africa. The major issues confronting Africa are multi-dimensional, and therefore require a holistic perspective, approach, and solution, in trying to find lasting peace and integration.

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     In the case of the DRC, what are more critical are those long-standing communal, ethnic, economic, and geopolitical issues right from the 1990s. From the genocide in Rwanda and the sociopolitical issues in Burundi to the breakup of the Uganda and Rwanda alliance, which was a long-standing pact between President Paul Kagame and President Yoromeri Mesoveni from way back in the 1980s. Opposing forces that are not ready to see eye to eye, either for social, geopolitical, or economic reasons, will continue to elude peace in the DRC. So, the stakes are varying, and the stakeholders are incongruent. More importantly, the “Deep States” – unseen forces that are empowering the opposing forces either financially or with weaponry. Those unseen hands will do what it takes to ensure that there is no peace in the highly mineral-endowed DRC or any part of Africa that is so enriched.

     Indeed, the sad and precarious situation of the DRC has been there right from independence. The DRC had never known overall especially because the past leaders of the DRC have not fared well; whether it is during the reign of former President, late Mobutu Sese Seko, during the Zaire era, or when the Country reverted to be DRC after, President Paul Kagame and President Yoweri Museveni were the key unseen hands that upstaged Mobutu Sese Seko. And then you have the former President, the late Laurent Kabila, and his son President Joseph Kabila.

     More Points to Note.

    It is important to note that in Africa, we must recognize that the lingering and growing crises across Africa will ultimately hamstring the growth of the continent because we are all connected. Invariably if one regional bloc sneezes the other part of the Continent ultimately catches the cold with the effects that follow. Therefore, United we stand, and divided we will continue to wallow in the abyss of backwardness.

  • Trump’s aid freeze sparks mayhem around the world

    Trump’s aid freeze sparks mayhem around the world

    In Ghana and Kenya, insecticide and mosquito nets sit in warehouses because U.S. officials haven’t approved urgent anti-malaria campaigns.

    In Haiti, a group treating HIV patients awaits U.S. permission to dispense medicines that prevent mothers from giving the disease to their children.

    In Myanmar, where famine looms and the U.S is the single largest aid donor, one humanitarian worker described the situation as “mayhem.”

    Nearly three weeks into U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping freeze on foreign aid, life-saving programs across the globe remain shut as humanitarian workers struggle to secure U.S. government waivers meant to keep them open, dozens of aid workers and U.N. staff told Reuters.

    After Trump announced the 90-day freeze on January 20, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued waivers for what he called “life-saving humanitarian assistance,” which included “core life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance.”

    But aid workers and U.N. officials said the waivers had sparked widespread confusion, along with fears that their U.S. funding would never be restored.

    They said they couldn’t restart work without first confirming with their U.S. counterparts whether specific programs qualified for exemption. This was proving nearly impossible, they said, due to a communication breakdown with U.S. officials, some of whom had been fired or barred from talking.

    The breakdown appeared partly by design. On January 31, staff at the United States Agency for International Development, once the main delivery mechanism for American largesse, were told not to communicate externally about the waiver and what it may or may not include, according to a previously unreported recording of the meeting reviewed by Reuters.

    The U.S. State Department and White House did not respond to requests for comment.

    The spiraling consequences of the aid freeze in developing countries underline the real-world harms from Trump’s upending of decades-old U.S. initiatives designed to build global alliances by making America the world’s most generous superpower and largest single aid donor.

    Aid workers had a list of urgent questions going unanswered. Among them: Which programs could continue? What qualifies as life-saving aid? Food? Shelter? Medicine? And how do they keep people from dying when almost every aid service has been shut at once?

    With little guidance from U.S. officials, aid workers said their organizations erred on the side of caution and closed programs rather than incur expenses that the U.S. government might not reimburse, the aid workers said. Some described how U.S partners – often people they had worked with for years – no longer answered their phones or emails.

    One Geneva-based aid official who reached U.S. officials was stunned by their response. “We asked: Can you tell us exactly which programs we need to stop? Then we got a message saying ‘no more guidance is forthcoming’. This leaves us in a situation where you have to make a choice of which program is ‘life-saving’,” the official said. “We don’t have money to pay for it ourselves. We can’t spend money we don’t know if we have.”

    The turmoil was particularly acute at USAID, now in disarray and targeted for closure as a “criminal organization” by Trump’s government efficiency tsar, the billionaire Elon Musk.

    In his executive order, Trump said the U.S. “foreign aid industry and bureaucracy” were “in many cases antithetical to American values.” He ordered the 90-day pause pending a review on whether aid was consistent with his “America First” foreign policy.

    Most of those who spoke to Reuters requested anonymity, fearful of antagonizing the Trump administration and jeopardizing the possible restoration of aid.

    wo workers with aid organizations in Myanmar told Reuters they didn’t know whether U.S.-funded food distribution in the country was covered by a waiver and would continue. One of the workers described the situation as “mayhem.” Myanmar faces a severe food crisis due to natural disasters and a spiraling civil war. An estimated two million people in the country are on the brink of famine, according to the U.N.

    Refugees also bore the brunt of the aid freeze in Bangladesh, where the U.S funds about 55% of assistance to more than a million Rohingya from Myanmar living in squalid camps. “Some essential and life-saving services” had been interrupted by the freeze, said the Inter Sector Coordination Group, an international relief organization that oversees the camps, in a previously unreported draft statement to local aid groups. The group didn’t respond to a request for comment.

    A U.N. official in Bangladesh seeking clarity on which programs could remain open said U.S. counterparts were “not answering the phones.”

    In Africa, humanitarian workers were due to start anti-malaria spraying campaigns this month in Ghana and Kenya before mosquito populations explode during the rainy season, but insecticide and mosquito nets are stuck in warehouses, said a USAID contractor.

    A USAID memo, dated February 4 and seen by Reuters on Saturday, said “life-saving activities” to address malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases and conditions would be exempt from the freeze. But campaigns to protect millions of people appeared on hold as aid workers sought clarification on when funding would resume and specific malaria programs in Africa could restart, the contractor said.

    alaria, a preventable disease, is caused by parasites transmitted to people by the bites of infected mosquitoes. The vast majority of the world’s 597,000 malaria deaths in 2023 were African children aged under five years old, the World Health Organization said in December.

    “There is a small window to do those campaigns which is going to close rapidly,” said the USAID contractor.

    Millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars already spent on supplies to fight malaria in Africa could go to waste, aid workers said. Malaria No More, a global nonprofit based in Washington, said the freeze could prevent the distribution of 15.6 million life-saving treatments, nine million nets and 48 million doses of preventative medicine.

    The U.S. is the top donor in the global fight against malaria, mostly through the President’s Malaria Initiative, known as PMI, set up under former President George W. Bush in 2005. PMI’s website – which included information on populations at risk of malaria – has been taken down and replaced with a brief statement: “In order to be consistent with the President’s Executive Orders, this website is currently undergoing maintenance as we expeditiously and thoroughly review all of the content.”

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    “It’s as if all the work . . . has just been erased,” said Anne Linn, a USAID staffer who worked remotely from Montana as a technical advisor and was fired on Jan. 28. “It’s so cruel and senseless,” she said. “The wastefulness of it is staggering to me.”

    In Haiti, a program that provides treatment to AIDS patients was supposed to be exempt from the aid freeze under a State Department waiver but remained shut because it hadn’t received specific written instructions to open, said a worker at the nonprofit program. She said funding for the program came from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR, the world’s leading initiative to combat HIV.

    The State Department, which manages PEPFAR, said on February 1 that the program was covered by the waiver for life-saving humanitarian assistance. But the aid worker said she hadn’t received paperwork confirming that they could continue to distribute medicine.

    “Everything is closed until further notice,” she said. Pregnant women were at risk because the program provides medication that can prevent HIV transmission to their infants, she added. She said more than half of Haiti’s 150,000 AIDS patients received treatment through PEPFAR.

    In 2024, the U.S. provided 60% of Haiti’s humanitarian funding, totaling $208 million, according to the U.N.’s Financial Tracking Service.

  • USAID State2State seek end to open defecation

    USAID State2State seek end to open defecation

    Stakeholders in Ebonyi state have called for concerted efforts in the fight to end open defecation in the state.

    They made the call during a two-day stakeholders consultative meeting on the review of of the State’s Water Resources Policy.

    The meeting was held with the support of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity in Abakaliki, capital of the state.

    Speaking on the State of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), the General Manager of Ebonyi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (EBRUWASA), Agwu Joseph, LP said the Agency had drilled 51 boreholes in 2024.

    He noted that the state was able to achieve this after it paid its counterpart fund of N200m for the federal governmen’s Partnership for Expanded Water,Sanitation and Hygiene(P-WASH).

    The GM said that under the partnership more toilets facilities will be constructed in public places.

    The State2State Citizen Engagement and Capacity Building Specialist, Habila Salem urged the state government to invest more in the fight against open defecation.

    He also advised the state government to carry out more citizens sensitization on the need to stop open defecation.

    He said: “State2State is aware of the situation in Ebonyi and that is why State2State is supporting the state to improve wash service delivery.

    “Coincidentally, we are supporting a review of the state policy. That was the state’s wash policy to address the situation and that is fundamental.

    “When we have a robust policy framework for the state, it will support effective service delivery. And we are looking at service delivery that is responsive to all category of citizens of the state.

    “So currently we are doing that to ensure that the state has a robust policy and legal framework for WASH service delivery.

    “The state will need to invest more in cutting down on open defecation, engage with citizens and all stakeholders in addressing this issue.

    “The state will also need to sensitize citizens on the dangers of open defecation. There is need for behavioral change of the citizens regarding open defecation.

    ” So it requires a concerted effort of all. Government alone cannot achieve that. Even private sector participants need to come in. You know, they say for every problem, it may be an opportunity for another to benefit.

    “So business people can also come in to provide services in terms of providing public toilets at public places and make some money out of it too. So it is an opportunity for business for the private sector too. And that will actually go a long way in reducing the problem.

    Mr Salem also said there is need to disabuse the minds of open defecation practitioners who believe that open defecatation supplies manures to crops.

    He said:”That is the wrong notion because when you compare the advantage of providing money through human feces, you understand, and the danger, the risks involved, you just talk about cholera outbreak in the state.

    Read Also: USAID grants N1.72B to combat cholera, improve sanitation in Lagos communities

    “I think the disadvantage outweighs the advantage. So we only need to correct that notion to change behavior of people. There are alternative ways of manuring our farms, not through open defecation. That is not a good idea for me”, he said.

    State2State’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Specialist, Ejiro Okotie, called for an all inclusive water policy and law for the state.

    She highlighted the need for accessibility and availability of water to all including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

    “The law and policy should not be one sided. It should be structured in such a way that it captures all groups.

    “It should reflect social inclusion and take care of needs of PWDs. It should be a policy that benefits all citizens despite their locations”, she said.

  • USAID grants N1.72B to combat cholera, improve sanitation in Lagos communities

    USAID grants N1.72B to combat cholera, improve sanitation in Lagos communities

    By Emmanuel Chidi-Maha

    In a significant move to combat cholera and enhance sanitation in Lagos, the USAID/Nigeria Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LUWASH) Activity has awarded N1.72 billion in grants to eight community-based organisations (CBOs). The grants, which were announced at a recent two-day training workshop, are designed to bolster Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in high-risk areas, where cholera outbreaks are a persistent threat.

    The LUWASH initiative focuses on improving WASH infrastructure while simultaneously driving behavioural change to reduce cholera transmission and mortality in underserved Lagos communities. This latest round of funding marks the second allocation this year. Earlier, in May 2024, LUWASH awarded N1.09 billion through its Capacity Building, Research, and Advocacy Fund (CAREVO Fund), bringing the total investment for 2024 to N2.81 billion. This funding is empowering 15 organisations throughout the state to address pressing WASH needs, mitigate disease transmission, and bolster community resilience in the face of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

    James Racicot, Chief of Party for LUWASH, explained that these grants are part of a larger strategy aimed at eliminating cholera through community-led interventions. He stressed that the grants represent more than just financial support: they are a commitment to empowering local organisations to tackle cholera at its root causes. “These funds are about enabling community organisations to make a real difference on the ground,” Racicot said, addressing the grantees at the workshop. “We have no doubt that all of you will succeed with the proposals you have submitted,” he added, encouraging the CBOs to utilise the training and resources provided to maximise their impact across Lagos.

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    The two-day workshop, held at The Sojourner by Genesis Hotel in Ikeja, was designed to provide grantees with essential insights into LUWASH’s operational framework, grant management procedures, and expectations for project implementation. The eight CBOs awarded grants include well-established organisations such as JAM Foundation, Equitable Health Access Initiative Nigeria, Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED), Women’s Rights Education Programme (WREP), and Bread of Life Development Foundation, among others. These organisations will implement diverse projects focusing on WASH education, community mobilisation, and improving sanitation infrastructure in vulnerable areas.

    Patricia Dyer-Thomas, LUWASH’s Compliance Director, underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the grants. “These funds are U.S. taxpayer money, and we must ensure that every dollar is used responsibly,” she said, emphasising the need for strict adherence to U.S. government guidelines on managing public funds. Dyer-Thomas also outlined protocols to prevent fraud, sexual misconduct, and conflicts of interest, ensuring that all projects meet the highest ethical standards. The workshop provided a platform for grantees to share their plans for tackling cholera through community engagement and innovative WASH solutions. Tom, Executive Director of the ComeWASH project, explained his organisation’s comprehensive approach to preventing cholera in high-risk locations such as schools, markets, and motor parks. “We are equipping communities with the tools they need, like chlorine tablets and hand sanitizers, to prevent the spread of cholera,” Tom said. His project also trains school children in WASH practices, reinforcing hygiene education at home and encouraging long-term behaviour change within families.

    Dr. Mimidoo Achakpa, Executive Director of the Women’s Rights Education Programme (WREP), spoke about her organisation’s efforts to strengthen WASH Committees in four local governments in Lagos. “We are creating awareness to avoid future cholera outbreaks in communities that are not currently affected,” Dr. Achakpa explained. WREP’s initiative aims to build local capacity to respond to cholera threats by equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to protect their health and prevent disease.

    Julius Akashiki, of the John Foundation, highlighted the importance of upgrading local infrastructure to address the root causes of cholera. “Cholera is often a consequence of poor sanitation and untreated waste,” he explained. His organisation focuses on improving sludge treatment and upgrading outdated infrastructure to prevent water contamination. By modernising waste management systems and promoting better sanitation practices, Akashiki’s project aims to reduce the environmental risks contributing to cholera outbreaks.

    Babatope Babanubi, Executive Director of the Bread of Life Development Foundation, introduced the “Wode Wodez in Action Against Cholera” programme, which seeks to revive the roles of environmental health officers, known as Wode Wodez, in Lagos communities. The initiative will target over 1,100 households and train 550 street vendors on proper hygiene practices, food storage, and waste management. “If Wode Wodez perform their duties effectively, cholera should be non-existent,” Babanubi stated confidently. His programme aims to restore the respected role of these health officers, empowering them to enforce sanitation standards and prevent cholera outbreaks at the grassroots level.

    These diverse projects represent a collaborative, community-driven effort to tackle cholera and improve sanitation across Lagos. By supporting local organisations with targeted funding, USAID’s LUWASH initiative is fostering sustainable, long-term solutions to the region’s WASH challenges. However, as James Racicot and others have emphasised, the success of these projects relies not only on financial support but on the active involvement of all stakeholders—local communities, government agencies, and the private sector. With transparency, enhanced collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving public health, these organisations are poised to make a lasting impact on the fight against cholera and the broader goal of improving sanitation and hygiene across Lagos.

  • USAID awards $73m contract to expand energy access

    USAID awards $73m contract to expand energy access

    The  U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)  has awarded Tetra Tech, Inc., a provider of high-end consulting and engineering services in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure,  a $73 million single-award contract to increase access to affordable and reliable electricity in 18 West African countries.

    Through the Power Africa Empower West Africa activity, Tetra Tech’s energy experts will work with governments, development finance institutions, and the private sector to advance the transition to more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy sectors.

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    The project includes designing and implementing national electrification programs, modernizing transmission and distribution utilities, deploying clean energy technologies, and catalyzing energy investments.

    This new contract continues Tetra Tech’s 10-year engagement with Power Africa and will introduce digital tools like smart power meters and AI-based data analytics, e-mobility solutions such as electric vehicles and boats, and capacity-building programs to upskill local workers for renewable energy careers.

    “Tetra Tech has partnered with USAID and the U.S. government to increase access to cleaner, more reliable energy in sub-Saharan Africa for more than 30 years,” said  Tetra Tech Chairman and Chief Executive, Dan Batrack.

  • TB: Breakthrough Action Nigeria enlists, empowers journalists to combat scourge

    TB: Breakthrough Action Nigeria enlists, empowers journalists to combat scourge

    Breakthrough Action Nigeria is intensifying its tuberculosis (TB) awareness campaign with the training of journalists on the crucial role of the media and its broader implications for public health, especially on the elimination of TB as a public health threat by 2035.

    To achieve this goal, the organization organized a capacity-building workshop for about 30 media practitioners from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benue, Plateau, and Nasarawa States as a strategy towards the elimination of the disease as a public health threat by 2035.

    The organization’s Deputy Project Director for Malaria and Tuberculosis, Bolatito Aiyenigba, speaking during the opening of the workshop in Goshen, Auta Balefi, Nasarawa State on Thursday, emphasized the imperative need to empower media practitioners.

    She noted that despite significant efforts to combat TB and eliminate it as a public health threat, it is troubling that most people remain ignorant of the disease and the preventive and curative measures implemented by the government and its partners.

    According to Aiyenigba, this was one of the major reasons behind Breakthrough Action’s involvement in the initiative, as it aligns with the government’s vision of a TB-free Nigeria.

    She said: “How can we have a TB-free Nigeria when people don’t even know that what they are passing through could be tuberculosis?

    “The media is a key partner in enlightening the people. The media is crucial in enlightening their target audiences so they know what to do when they have signs and symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis.

    “The fight against TB is also a fight against ignorance. We want the media to assist in addressing the ignorance surrounding TB but they have to be well-equipped to pass the message in the most comprehensive but simple way for Nigerians to understand and appreciate.

    “Imagine children dying needlessly because parents relied on ineffective treatments out of fear or shame. That should not be acceptable.

    “Ignorance is really expensive. By hiding their illness, patients not only risk their own lives but also the health of their families.”

    Aiyenigba, however, emphasized the importance of the media in health communication, saying, “The media is crucial in enlightening their target audiences so they know what to do when they have signs and symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis.

    “With many Nigerians relying on newspapers, radio, television, and online news for information, the media’s influence in promoting healthy behaviours cannot be overstated.

    “How can we have a TB-free Nigeria when people don’t even know that what they are passing through could be tuberculosis? The media is a key partner in enlightening the people.”

    About TB and the effectiveness of the efforts in place to address it, she noted that TB testing and treatment in Nigeria are free, and patients need to complete a minimum of six months of treatment for drug-sensitive TB and up to one year for drug-resistant TB to ensure a complete cure.

    “Many people suffer in a cycle; they get better, stop their medication, and then fall ill again. So, in this context, continuous medication and proper health guidance become most important.

    “This is the reality, but how many know that these services are free? Many don’t know, and even many of those that are aware of the disease and curative measures still refuse to access the care, thereby continuing to suffer in silence to avoid stigma.

    “That is where the role of the media becomes more important. People need to know, and that’s when we can be sure that the 2035 target is on track,” she noted.

    While envisioning a future where Nigeria meets its 2030 targets to end TB cases, Aiyenigba, however, acknowledged the challenges ahead, citing the need for increased government funding, saying, “I have a personal ambition to raise an army of well-equipped media people across the country who can intelligently talk about tuberculosis and help people get good treatment and support.

    “The involvement of religious and traditional leaders in TB education is also a promising development. Being trusted by their communities, and advocating for proper TB testing and treatment, they support the system by following up to make sure they take their medication and go for their checkups.”

    She said Breakthrough Action Nigeria, in partnership with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTLCP), is engaging the media effectively and has made strides with online training across the country.

    “The goal is to expand the program further with support from donors like the Global Fund. With concerted efforts and the power of an informed media, Nigeria can move closer to a TB-free future by 2030,” she noted.

    The attendees participated in technical sessions focused on conveying TB messages in simple language for the benefit of Nigerians.

    The workshop continues tomorrow.

  • USAID, others partner on 10,000 green jobs

    USAID, others partner on 10,000 green jobs

    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with Coca-Cola Foundation and TechnoServe Nigeria has announced the launch of the Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity (NPSA), aimed at creating over 10,000 green jobs.

    The initiative, funded equally by Coca-Cola and USAID with a combined investment of $4 million, seeks to tackle the critical challenge of plastic waste management in Nigeria through innovative recycling solutions.

    According to reports, plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental concern globally, and Nigeria is no exception. With an estimated 2.5 million metric tons of plastic waste generated annually, there is an urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate its impact on the environment and public health.

    President, Coca-Cola Foundation, Saadia Madsbjerg stated that the primary objective of the Nigeria Plastic Solutions Activity (NPSA) was to recover approximately 49,000 metric tons of plastic waste in Nigeria while upscaling the collection capacity of over 24 aggregators and 9,500 collectors.

    In addition, Madsbjerg noted the program aimed to drive circularity in plastic waste management and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.

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    “The Coca‑Cola Foundation places a priority on helping communities become more sustainable by supporting innovative collection and recycling solutions at a local level. We hope this new program in Nigeria serves as a catalyst to drive increased collection and recycling rates as we collectively work towards a more sustainable society, one community at a time,” she said.

    During the project launch, USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones indicated that besides improving the environment, plastic collection, sorting, aggregating, processing and manufacturing would offer employment opportunities.

    “Small and medium scale enterprises and entry-level and semi-skilled workers particularly stand to benefit from this new value chain.”

    U.S. Consul General, Will Stevens reiterated the United States Government’s commitment to the new project.

    He explained that by incentivizing recycling as a means of averting plastic pollution, there’s a collective effort to protect the planet, create jobs, empower youth, other marginalized groups, and foster sustainable development.

    “We must persist in collaborating, innovating, and implementing solutions to address this urgent issue. Together, we can build a future where plastics are no longer a threat to our planet but a valuable resource managed responsibly and utilized for the benefit of future generations,” Stevens remarked.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab also emphasised the necessity of the NPSA.

    He said: “Our policy and advocacy efforts present a paradigm shift on Plastic Waste. We can no longer view it as a disposable commodity; rather, it must be regarded as resource demanding responsible stewardship. We cannot shy away from this responsibility; we must confront it head-on with resolve and determination.”

    The launch marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable development in Nigeria.

    It underscores the commitment of USAID, Coca-Cola Foundation, and TechnoServe to drive positive change and build a more resilient and environmentally conscious society.

  • Collusion between Central Africa’s MLPS party, USAID alleged after leaked audio message

    Collusion between Central Africa’s MLPS party, USAID alleged after leaked audio message

    Recently, a video appeared on the popular Mali Média223 Facebook platform in which a prominent political commentator talked about an audio message sent to him from a member of the Central African party The Movement for the Liberation of the Central African People (MLPC), who wished to remain anonymous.

    In a leaked audio message created on April 17, Anthony Odom, an MLPC party official close to party leader Martin Ziguélé, reported successful negotiations with the Americans and that they have promised to send a $56,000 grant to the party through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) “for the development of democracy in the country.”

    “MLPC head Martin Siegele has agreed to cooperate with US officials in a vast conspiracy against his own country, just like Judas once did, just like every other traitor to the cause in Africa. Martin Ziguélé is conspiring with a foreign power to overthrow the prevailing order and create disorder in his own country,” the columnist said.

    USAID, a non-governmental organisation, has repeatedly been alleged to be interfering in African affairs by sponsoring US-friendly politicians and organizing various dubious events

    The blogger also recalled that this is not the first time USAID has been involved in such matters. A few months ago, it turned out that an Egyptian businessman was prohibited from investing in the Central African Republic under the threat of being included in the sanctions list. 

    Also, USAID was caught red-handed when its officials were seen in various places in the Central African Republic discussing with representatives of armed groups the need to strengthen their efforts to destabilize the country. 

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    Thus, according to the commentator, USAID is engaged in “what is called domestic intervention in the internal affairs of a country. USAID is acting on behalf of the United States as part of large-scale maneuvers aimed at destabilizing the Central African Republic.”

    The wording “for the development of democracy in the Central African Republic” raises concerns, since previous American actions in this vein, on the contrary, brought an intensification of the crisis to the country. The recent ban by the Malian authorities on media coverage of political parties seems quite justified, given similar subversive activities of the United States throughout Africa.