Senator Ali Ndume has called for an investigation into the activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nigeria following allegations of terrorism financing.
Speaking on Arise News Prime Time on Wednesday, the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District described the agency’s operations as suspicious. His remarks come after U.S. Congressman Scott Perry alleged that USAID had been funding terrorist organizations globally, including Boko Haram. The U.S. Congress is currently investigating Perry’s claims.
Ndume noted that the allegation coincides with a warning from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, that Boko Haram terrorists receive training and funding from international organizations.
“Their operations should be thoroughly investigated because they do not allow the host country to conduct oversight,” Ndume stated. “They come under the pretense of offering aid when you are in dire need, making it difficult to question any suspicions. Stopping their funding gives us an opportunity to investigate.”
He further noted that Nigerian security agencies are limited in their ability to scrutinize the activities of international organizations, adding, “Security agencies or the federal government do not have the backing or right to question their operations.”
The senator’s call adds to growing concerns over foreign aid operations in conflict-affected regions of Nigeria.
