The United States government has firmly refuted claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is indirectly funding Boko Haram or any terrorist organizations. Ambassador Richard Mills made this clear during a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja on Wednesday night.
Mills emphasized that the US has strict policies in place to prevent any American financial assistance from being diverted to terrorist groups. His remarks came in response to allegations made by US Congressman Scott Perry, who accused USAID of misappropriating funds during a recent congressional hearing. Perry’s claims suggested that approximately $697 million in annual funding could be reaching groups like Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.
In a strong rebuttal, Mills stated, “There is absolutely no evidence of such diversion, and if we ever had evidence that any programme funding was being misused by Boko Haram, we would immediately investigate it with our Nigerian partners.” He reiterated the US’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram, which has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization since 2013.
Furthermore, Mills addressed concerns that the Trump administration had cut USAID funding, clarifying that there had only been a temporary pause to reassess and improve the effectiveness of aid programs. He reassured that no assistance has been cut and that future decisions regarding aid would be focused on enhancing its impact.
Ambassador Mills also outlined key priorities for US-Nigeria relations, which include improving the business environment, enhancing transparency and accountability, engaging at the subnational level, and sustaining healthcare programs aimed at reducing diseases like HIV and polio.
As the situation unfolds, the US continues to collaborate with Nigeria on counterterrorism efforts, ensuring that aid remains effective and free from misuse.
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