The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., has dismissed claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided financial support to the Boko Haram terrorist group.Speaking to journalists after his presentation at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Mr. Mills reaffirmed that the U.S. closely monitors all its financial assistance to Nigeria, ensuring that no funds are diverted to terrorist organizations.
He emphasized that Boko Haram has been classified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) since 2013, and stringent oversight mechanisms are in place to guarantee that U.S. aid reaches only the intended beneficiaries.The ambassador challenged anyone with evidence of such allegations to present it, assuring that any credible claims would be thoroughly investigated in collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
Mr. Mills reiterated that the U.S. remains one of Nigeria’s strongest allies in the fight against Boko Haram and its acts of violence.“No country has been more vocal in condemning Boko Haram’s brutality and disregard for human life than the United States,” he said. He explained that the 2013 FTO designation prevents Boko Haram from transferring assets to the U.S., enables the arrest of its members, and facilitates cooperative investigations with the Nigerian government.
“I can assure you that we have strict policies and procedures to prevent USAID or any U.S. assistance funds from being diverted to terrorist groups like Boko Haram,” Mr. Mills stated. He reiterated that no evidence supports the claims that U.S. funds have been misused in this manner. However, if any such evidence were presented, the U.S. would promptly investigate it alongside Nigerian authorities.
Mr. Mills also addressed concerns regarding U.S. financial assistance to Nigeria, explaining that funding had not been cut but temporarily paused for 90 days.He cited U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who clarified that the pause was meant to reassess and enhance the effectiveness of aid while aligning it with U.S. policies and interests. “This is not about ending aid to Nigeria but about ensuring it is used effectively,” Mr. Mills said, adding that exemptions had been made for life-saving assistance, including HIV treatment, maternal and child nutrition, and support for internally displaced persons.
During his engagement with Nigerian governors, Mr. Mills outlined his vision for U.S.-Nigeria relations over the next four years, focusing on four key priorities:
Encouraging Investment: Promoting economic growth through increased U.S. investments in Nigeria.
Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: Strengthening governance and anti-corruption efforts.
Empowering Local Authorities: Supporting sub-national governments in policy implementation.
Advancing Healthcare Initiatives: Transitioning U.S.-supported healthcare programs to ensure long-term sustainability.Mr. Mills emphasized that the U.S. aims to deepen its engagement with state and local governments in Nigeria to enhance the impact of its development programs.
