The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria, clarifying that its foreign assistance has not been cut but is undergoing a 90-day review to enhance its effectiveness.
The review, implemented by the new U.S. administration, aims to ensure that aid aligns with U.S. government policies and priorities.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., provided these assurances after a three-hour meeting with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja.
Communique Issued At The End Of The 1st Meeting Of The Nigeria Governors’ Forum Held On Wednesday,19th February 2025.
We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), at our
meeting held today, deliberated on issues affecting the country.1. The Forum engaged with the U.S.… pic.twitter.com/vZAtNv6bMu
— Nigeria Governors’ Forum (@NGFSecretariat) February 20, 2025
Richard Mills Jr. emphasised that the U.S. remains a steadfast ally of Nigeria, particularly in the fight against Boko Haram and other security threats.
“Let me be clear, there’s no friend of Nigeria that has been stronger in its condemnation of the violence of Boko Haram and Boko Haram contempt for human life than the United States,” he said.
No Immediate Aid Cuts
Ambassador Mills stressed that while the review is ongoing, no decisions have been made regarding the future of U.S. assistance.
“Let me clarify one thing: right now, the new administration has put in a 90-day pause on our assistance. No assistance has been cut yet, and no decisions have been made about the future of our assistance,” he stated.
He further explained that the review is not about ending aid but rather about improving its impact.
“Secretary Rubio has said this is not about ending foreign assistance to our partners and friends like Nigeria. It’s about how to make the assistance more effective and ensure it aligns with U.S. policies and interests,” he stated.
Also Read: US Aid Freeze Generates Concern Across Africa
Certain life-saving programmes, including those supporting HIV patients, maternal and child nutrition, and aid for internally displaced persons, will continue under special waivers.
Bilateral Priorities and Economic Cooperation
Outlining the U.S. government’s key priorities in Nigeria, Mills highlighted four main areas of focus:
- Economic Growth & Trade – The U.S. aims to enhance Nigeria’s business environment and foster increased trade and investment between the two nations.
- Anti-Corruption & Governance – The U.S. Embassy will support Nigerian efforts to strengthen transparency and good governance.
- State and Local Engagement – The U.S. will work closely with state and local governments to develop tailored programs addressing specific regional needs.
- Health Initiatives – The U.S. seeks to ensure the sustainability of healthcare programs, including efforts that have helped reduce HIV cases and eradicate polio in Nigeria.
Boko Haram and U.S. Safeguards on Assistance
Responding to concerns about U.S. aid potentially benefiting terrorist groups, Mills reaffirmed that strict measures are in place to prevent any diversion of funds.
“We have policies and procedures to ensure that funding from USAID, the Department of Defense, and the State Department does not end up in the hands of Boko Haram,” he stated.
Since 2013, the U.S. has officially designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation, imposing financial and legal restrictions to block its operations.
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…
— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) February 18, 2025
Mills underscored that there is no evidence suggesting U.S. assistance has been misused, but he assured that any credible allegations would be thoroughly investigated in collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
Nigerian Senate Investigates
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate has launched an inquiry into claims that USAID has links to Boko Haram. The investigation follows allegations made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who suggested the agency was a major sponsor of the extremist group.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, led a group of eight senators in demanding an investigation. In response, the Senate resolved to summon Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, along with top intelligence and defence officials, for a closed-door session to discuss the concerns. The meeting will be scheduled at a later date.
The Nigerian investigation coincides with a similar probe by the U.S. Congress. However, Ambassador Mills reiterated that the U.S. stands firmly with Nigeria in eradicating Boko Haram and supporting regional stability.
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