The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., has dismissed allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided funding to the Boko Haram terrorist group in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists after addressing the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja on Wednesday night, Mills clarified that there is no evidence supporting the claim.
He stated that Boko Haram has been classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. since 2013.
Strict monitoring systems are in place to ensure that U.S. aid reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Mills urged anyone with proof of misused funds to come forward, assuring that any allegations would be thoroughly investigated in partnership with Nigerian authorities.
He reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram and other forms of violence.
“The United States is a strong ally of Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram. We designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization in 2013 to prevent them from accessing U.S. financial systems and assets. This enables us to cooperate with Nigerian authorities, seize Boko Haram’s assets, and arrest its members when necessary,” Mills said.
He stressed that USAID and other U.S. government assistance undergo strict oversight to prevent funds from reaching terrorist groups like Boko Haram.
Mills stated that no evidence has been found to support claims of U.S. funds being diverted to the group.
However, he assured that any credible evidence brought forward would be immediately investigated alongside Nigerian partners.
On U.S. financial assistance to Nigeria, Mills clarified that it had not been stopped but was temporarily paused for 90 days to assess its effectiveness.
“This is not a termination of aid. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the pause is to ensure that our aid aligns with U.S. government policies and interests. Critical humanitarian aid, such as HIV treatment, child nutrition, and support for internally displaced persons, continues through special waivers,” he added.
During his presentation at the Governors’ Forum, Mills outlined his vision for the U.S.-Nigeria relationship over the next four years, focusing on four key areas:
1. Encouraging investment.
2. Promoting transparency and accountability.
3. Combating corruption.
4. Strengthening state and local government capacity.
Mills highlighted the U.S. government’s desire to work more closely with Nigerian state and local authorities to ensure aid programmes are effective.
He also discussed the transition of U.S.-supported healthcare programmes to Nigerian control as polio vaccination efforts succeed and HIV rates decline.
“We want to support Nigerian states and local governments in developing their capacity to manage health programmes and other services efficiently. Our experience with a federal system in the U.S. shows that government works best when it is close to the people,” Mills concluded.
