Calls for a probe into the $2.8 billion USAID allocation to Nigeria emerged from public dissatisfaction over spending and results. With allegations of mismanagement and links to terrorist funding, scrutiny intensified, particularly after a presidential suspension of foreign aid. Critics question the efficacy of these funds as Nigeria struggles with basic needs despite significant financial support.
Netizens have sparked demands for an investigation into the spending of $2.8 billion in USAID health funds allocated to Nigeria from 2022 to 2024. This funding, drawn from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has raised eyebrows amid notable concerns regarding accountability and the effective use of the funds. Observers have expressed significant dissatisfaction over the perceived lack of progress despite the substantial financial inflow.
Data indicates that USAID allocated around $2.8 billion to Nigeria during this period, with scrutiny directed at the agency’s financial oversight. Previous criticisms were directed at USAID for its funding allocation methods, which critics argued could lead to inappropriate resource distribution. This scrutiny has intensified following claims of funding organizations tied to terrorist activities.
In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending U.S. foreign aid for 90 days, citing concerns over misalignment with American interests and fears of exacerbating global instability. This order resulted in the furlough of thousands of USAID employees and a significant return of overseas staff to the United States.
Between 2022 and 2024, data revealed that USAID disbursed a total of $41 billion to various countries, including $780 million to Nigeria in 2024. The prior two years saw Nigeria receive one billion dollars in 2023 and $970 million in 2022, summing up to $2.75 billion over three years. The allocated funds were intended for health, humanitarian services, economic development, education, and other critical sectors.
Sir Dickson (@Wizarab10) voiced concerns over the effectiveness of the $5 billion in USAID funding, highlighting the lack of meaningful developments in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, referencing a past scandal involving mismanagement of funds for HIV/AIDs programs. He questioned how such significant funding could yield no visible progress in infrastructure or services.
Dr. Kelechi Ugonna (@Ugo_KelechiPhD) echoed these sentiments, stressing that many Nigerians continue to suffer from basic needs, like food security, despite USAID’s reported expenditure of $824 million in 2023. He joined others in demanding accountability regarding where the funds have actually gone.
Obiaraeri Nnaemeka Onyeka suggested that transparency could be achieved by releasing the names of recipients of USAID’s $7.8 billion inflow from 2014 to 2023, calling attention to potential misuse of funds by NGOs and agencies.
The scrutiny surrounding USAID funding in Nigeria arises from the agency’s significant financial commitments and the perceived ineffectiveness of these funds in bringing about tangible improvements. Between 2022 and 2024, $2.8 billion was allocated to Nigeria amid historical criticisms of USAID’s funding oversight and its ability to combat issues like mismanagement and corruption. The agency has faced allegations of inadvertently supporting organizations with potential ties to extremist groups, further complicating its operational landscape. Additionally, an overarching political context shapes these discussions, especially regarding how the U.S. handles foreign aid and its alignment with domestic and international objectives. Recent executive actions have raised questions about long-term aid strategy and its implications for countries like Nigeria that rely heavily on external funding for crucial sectors such as health and education. Discussions continue to spotlight accountability and the necessary conditions to ensure that funding truly contributes to the development and prosperity of recipient nations. With rising poverty and deteriorating infrastructure, the inquiry into where and how USAID funds are deployed has become increasingly urgent.
The growing public demand for investigation into USAID’s allocation of funds in Nigeria highlights profound concerns about transparency and accountability. With billions reportedly spent with little evident improvement in key areas like health and infrastructure, stakeholders are calling for a thorough examination of the effectiveness of these investments. Ensuring proper oversight and management of foreign aid remains critical to achieving meaningful development outcomes.
Original Source: punchng.com
