The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr, has denied allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Boko Haram. These claims were initially made by US Congressman Scott Perry.Ambassador Mills emphasized that the US government closely monitors its spending in Nigeria, and there is no evidence to suggest that any funds have been diverted to Boko Haram.
Mills made this clarification while speaking with journalists shortly after his presentation at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum meeting in Abuja. He assured that the US is committed to transparency and accountability in its assistance programs.
The US Ambassador also highlighted that Boko Haram has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 2013. He noted that the US has robust monitoring systems in place to ensure that assistance reaches its intended recipients.
Mills encouraged anyone with evidence of misappropriation to come forward, assuring that it would be thoroughly investigated in collaboration with Nigerian partners. He reaffirmed the US’ commitment to Nigeria and its efforts to combat Boko Haram’s violence.
The allegations made by Congressman Perry had raised concerns in Nigeria, where Boko Haram has caused the deaths of over a hundred thousand people. However, Ambassador Mills’ statement has helped to alleviate these concerns.In addition to addressing the allegations, Ambassador Mills outlined his vision for the US-Nigeria relationship over the next four years. He highlighted four key priorities, including promoting investment, transparency, and accountability. Mills also emphasized the importance of combating corruption and empowering local authorities. He noted that the US wants to be more engaged at the sub-national level, working with state and local governing authorities.
“There’s no friend of Nigeria that has been stronger in its condemnation of the violence of Boko Haram and Boko Haram’s contempt for human life than the United States.“We labelled Boko Haram since 2013 a foreign terrorist organisation, a designation that was designed to block Boko Haram from carrying out any asset transfers to the United States.
“This allows us to arrest and seize members of Boko Haram and allows us to cooperate in investigations with the Nigerian government.“I can assure you, we have policies and procedures in place to ensure that USAID funding, any of our assistance funding, whether that comes from USAID, the Department of Defense, is not diverted to a terrorist group like Boko Haram.
“There is absolutely no evidence that I have seen that has occurred. And certainly if we ever had evidence presented to us that a programme funding was being diverted to Boko Haram, we would immediately investigate along with our Nigerian partners.
“I just want to be clear that when it comes to Boko Haram, the United States stands with Nigeria in wanting to rid this country of the scourge that the organisation represents,” Mills said. He also clarified that the US had not cut it financial aid to Nigeria, but put in a 90-day pause.“In fact, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio said this is not about ending foreign assistance to our partners and friends like Nigeria.
“It’s about how to make the assistance more effective and how to make sure that it aligns with US government policies and interests.“So that’s what this 90-day pause is for in our assistance. But I think many of you have seen, I hope, that there are waivers.
“Waivers for our assistance that’s life-saving, that provides humanitarian, life-saving assistance, whether that’s to HIV patients or to mother and child nutrition needs, to internally displaced people,” Mr Mills said. The US Ambassador also discussed the transition of healthcare programs in Nigeria supported by the US. He assured that the US is committed to continuing its support for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Ambassador Mills’ statement has been welcomed by Nigerian officials, who have expressed appreciation for the US’ commitment to transparency and accountability. The US and Nigeria are expected to continue working together to address common challenges, including the threat posed by Boko Haram.
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