A recent revelation by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry has sparked outrage in Nigeria, as he alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided $697 million annually in funding to terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made these claims during a Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency hearing, accusing USAID of misappropriating taxpayer funds.
He cited instances where $136 million meant for building 120 schools in Pakistan showed “zero evidence” of the schools’ existence.
Additionally, Perry questioned the $60 million allocated annually for the Women’s Scholarship Endowment and $5 million for the Young Women Lead program, suggesting that these funds may have been diverted to terrorist activities instead of women’s empowerment.
The allegations have raised serious concerns among Nigerian security experts and diplomats, who are calling for a thorough investigation into the potential links between foreign aid and terrorist financing.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to condemn former U.S. President Barack Obama, under whose administration USAID operated, accusing him of indirectly fueling terrorism in Nigeria.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously suspended USAID programs, citing corruption concerns, a move that some now see as justified in light of these allegations.
As the controversy unfolds, Nigerian authorities and international organizations are under pressure to demand transparency in foreign aid distribution to prevent funds from falling into the wrong hands.
