Nigerians are calling for an investigation into allegations made by US Congressman Scott Perry that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram. Perry, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, claimed that USAID has been providing $697 million annually to terrorist groups.
The allegations have sparked widespread concern and outrage in Nigeria, with many prominent figures calling for a thorough investigation to verify the claims. Former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, emphasized the need for a probe, stating that “Nigeria must investigate the allegations to ascertain whether they are true or false.”
Others, such as former Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil and Argentina, Dele Cole, have questioned the validity of the claims, asking why the US would provide funds to Nigeria in cash. Cole advised that African countries must reject aid from the West and focus on bettering their own countries.
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has also urged the Nigerian National Assembly to launch an investigation into the allegations.¹
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the congressman’s claims. However, experts, including the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof Eghosa Osaghae, have called on the US to provide evidence to support the claims.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Nigerians are demanding answers and action from their government to address the allegations and ensure that terrorist organizations are not receiving funding from international aid agencies.
