The House of Representatives has established a special committee to investigate allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is involved in financing terrorism in Nigeria.
The decision was made during a plenary session following concerns raised about reports linking USAID to funding extremist groups operating in the country. Lawmakers expressed the need for a thorough investigation to determine the credibility of these claims and their potential implications for national security.
The Speaker of the House emphasized the importance of protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and ensuring that foreign aid does not inadvertently support terrorism. The newly formed committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry, engaging relevant stakeholders, and presenting its findings to the House.
USAID, a major international development agency, has yet to respond to the allegations. However, the agency has historically maintained that its funding supports humanitarian aid, development programs, and democratic governance initiatives in Nigeria.
The committee’s investigation is expected to shed light on the claims and provide recommendations on how to safeguard Nigeria’s security interests while maintaining diplomatic ties with international development partners.
