The Nigerian Senate has launched an inquiry into allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is linked to funding terrorist groups. The move comes after Senator Ali Ndume raised concerns over a viral video in which US Congressman Scott Perry accused the agency of supporting global terrorism, including Boko Haram.
In response, the Senate has summoned National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, as well as the heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), to provide clarity on the matter.
The allegations also follow a recent statement by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who warned that some international organisations were backing terrorist activities within the country.
Meanwhile, the US government, under former President Donald Trump, recently suspended funding for aid programmes linked to USAID, affecting humanitarian efforts.
Though certain emergency operations were later approved, the restrictions have raised concerns among NGOs about the future of global aid.
