The United States government has initiated an investigation into the utilization of its foreign aid to Nigeria and other nations, following allegations that funds may have inadvertently supported terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram.
This action comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025, directive to suspend all foreign aid for 90 days, citing concerns over global destabilization and potential misalignment with American interests.
The decision aligns with increasing demands for a thorough review of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) health funds. U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, asserted during the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency that USAID has been financing terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.
Perry stated, “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, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding.”
Boko Haram, officially known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, is a jihadist terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria, with activities extending into Chad, Niger, northern Cameroon, and Mali.
Over the past 15 years, the group has perpetrated numerous attacks, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and targeting police, military, and civilian populations.
In response to these allegations, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria emphasized the existence of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems designed to ensure that U.S. assistance reaches its intended recipients.
The mission stated, “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 mission also highlighted that on November 14, 2013, the U.S. Secretary of State designated Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
This designation aims to obstruct the group’s financial assets and fundraising activities, facilitate the prosecution of its members, and restrict their travel to the United States. The mission reaffirmed, “The United States continues to work with Nigeria and regional partners to counter terrorism.”
Within Nigeria, the allegations have prompted calls for internal investigations. Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, urged the Nigerian government to probe the claims made by Congressman Perry.
Ndume emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of these allegations to ensure that international aid is not misappropriated to fund insurgent activities.
Similarly, former Minister of Education, Professor Tunde Adeniran, stressed the necessity for a thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity of the claims. He noted that understanding the truth is crucial for maintaining the integrity of international aid and ensuring it serves its intended humanitarian purposes.
