US to probe past foreign aid to Nigeria, others amid terrorism funding concerns

The United States government has announced plans to investigate how past foreign aid to Nigeria and other countries was spent.

This decision follows President Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025, directive to suspend all foreign aid for 90 days, citing concerns about global destabilization and the misuse of American resources.

The move is in response to growing demands for a thorough review of funds disbursed through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), particularly in the health sector.

During a hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency last Thursday, US Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, alleged that USAID funds may have indirectly supported terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.

“Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because 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,” Perry claimed.

Read also: Ndume tasks FG to investigate claims USAID funded Boko Haram

In response to the allegations, the US Mission to Nigeria issued a statement on Tuesday via its official X handle, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that aid funds reach legitimate recipients.

“Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to help verify that U.S. assistance reaches intended recipients.

“The United States condemns the violence and blatant disregard for human life perpetrated by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria and the region”, the statement read.

The mission also highlighted that Boko Haram was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization on November 14, 2013, as part of efforts to freeze the group’s assets, block its fundraising activities, and prosecute its members.

“The United States continues to work with Nigeria and regional partners to counter terrorism,” the statement concluded.

The suspension of aid have sparked concerns among some development agencies, who warn that a prolonged funding freeze could disrupt critical health, education, and humanitarian programs across Africa and beyond.