Senator Ali Ndume (APC/Borno South) has called for a thorough investigation into USAID’s operations in Nigeria. Speaking on Arise News’ “Prime Time” on Wednesday, the former Senate Chief Whip stated that US President Donald Trump’s decision to halt USAID funding presents an opportunity for Nigeria to probe the agency’s activities. His remarks followed allegations by US Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that USAID had been funding terrorist organizations globally, including Boko Haram.
Ndume noted that these allegations surfaced as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, warned that international organizations might be involved in training and financing Boko Haram terrorists. “They come under the pretence of helping when you are in dire need so you don’t have the right to question any suspicions. Stopping their funding is our opportunity to investigate,” Ndume asserted. He further criticized the current constraints on Nigerian military and security agencies, stating that they are handicapped because they lack the authority to question the activities of international organizations.
In response, US Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills declared that there is no evidence linking USAID to funding Boko Haram or any other terrorist group, assuring that if such evidence emerges, the US will immediately investigate in coordination with Nigerian partners. The Senate has subsequently summoned top security chiefs—including the National Security Adviser, along with the heads of the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, and Defence Intelligence Agency—for a closed-door session to provide further explanations regarding these allegations.
