Ola Akinwunmi
In a development that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political and security landscape, recent allegations by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry have implicated the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in inadvertently funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
These claims have raised concerns about the potential loss of $603 million in U.S. aid to Nigeria and prompted the Nigerian Senate to summon the nation’s service chiefs for an urgent briefing.
During a recent subcommittee hearing, Congressman Perry asserted that USAID allocated approximately $697 million annually to various programs, some of which, he alleged, ended up supporting terrorist activities. He specifically mentioned that funds intended for educational projects in Pakistan and women’s empowerment programs in Afghanistan lacked proper oversight, leading to misappropriation. Perry stated, “You are funding terrorism, and it’s coming through USAID.”
In response to these allegations, security experts and diplomats in Nigeria have expressed deep concern.
Mike Ejiofor, a former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), noted that these claims align with previous suspicions about international organizations’ covert collaborations with terrorist groups in Nigeria. Ejiofor emphasized the need for thorough investigations by the National Assembly and security agencies to verify the allegations’ validity.
The potential suspension or withdrawal of $603 million in U.S. aid could have significant repercussions for Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and address humanitarian challenges, particularly in the northeastern regions afflicted by Boko Haram’s insurgency.
The Nigerian Senate has acted swiftly, summoning the nation’s service chiefs to provide detailed briefings on the current security situation and the implications of the alleged funding connections.
As the situation unfolds, both Nigerian and U.S. authorities are expected to engage in high-level discussions to address the allegations, ensure the integrity of aid programs, and reinforce collaborative efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
