Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has raised concerns about the operations of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nigeria, labeling them as suspicious and calling for a thorough investigation.
Background: Allegations of Terrorism Financing
The controversy began when U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, recently alleged that USAID funds were being used to support Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.
Reacting to this serious claim, the Nigerian Senate summoned top security officials, including:
🔹 National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu
🔹 Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed
🔹 Director-General of the State Security Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi
Their task? To investigate the allegations and provide clarity on USAID’s activities in Nigeria.
Ndume’s Concerns About USAID
Speaking on Arise TV, Senator Ndume expressed strong reservations about the way USAID operates in Nigeria, stating:
💬 “The way they operate makes it so suspicious in the sense that they don’t allow for oversight, and then they go to places where nobody goes.”
Key concerns raised by Ndume:
✅ Lack of transparency: USAID reportedly operates in secrecy and resists oversight.
✅ Access to restricted areas: The agency is known to venture into regions that are off-limits to most organizations.
✅ Questionable motives: He suggested that their actions sometimes go beyond humanitarian aid, making it difficult for authorities to track their true objectives.
Why This Investigation Matters
This latest controversy comes at a time when:
✔️ Nigeria is stepping up its fight against terrorism financing.
✔️ The U.S. itself has cut USAID funding, citing wasteful spending.
✔️ There are growing concerns over foreign agencies operating in Nigeria without clear accountability.
What Happens Next?
With the Senate’s investigation underway, Nigerians are awaiting concrete evidence to either support or debunk the claims. If USAID is cleared, its operations may continue as usual. However, if suspicions hold, stricter regulations may be imposed on foreign organizations working in Nigeria.
