Reps to probe NGOs over USAID terrorism funding allegation

The house of representatives has resolved to probe the activities of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country.

The investigation aims to uncover the “real identities, sources of funding and what NGOs operating in the country spend their money on”.

The green chamber passed the resolution during plenary on Thursday following the adoption of a motion calling for the probe of the allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided funding to Boko Haram.

The motion was sponsored by Inuwa Garba, a Peoples Democratic (PDP) lawmaker from Gombe state.

THE ALLEGATION

Last week, Scott Perry, a Republican congressman, alleged that the USAID funded terror groups, including Boko Haram, with taxpayer money.

Perry spoke while backing US President Donald Trump’s decision to shut down the agency.

Boko Haram has been active in Nigeria since 2009, killing thousands of people and displacing millions, especially in the north-east zone.

USAID has been involved in humanitarian aid, stabilisation efforts, and support for displaced persons in the country, including the region.

Perry’s claims have sparked debate, with some Nigerians dismissing them as conspiracy theories, while others criticise US involvement.

On Monday, the US embassy in Nigeria denied the allegations, saying that mechanisms were in place to ensure aid reached its intended recipients.

THE MOTION

Moving the motion, Garba said if the allegations were proven true, they would pose significant national and international security concerns and raise questions about external involvement in Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity.

“Nigeria has been battling insurgency and terrorism for over a decade, with the government committing enormous resources to counterterrorism operations while also seeking international cooperation to curb the menace,” he said.

“Such an allegation, if not thoroughly investigated, could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, compromise national security efforts, and diminish public confidence in the fight against terrorism.

“Failure to unearth the truth behind this weighty claim could embolden criminal and terrorist elements, further exacerbating the insecurity challenges confronting the country.”

Other lawmakers spoke in support of the motion, calling for the regulation of NGOs across the country.

Sada Soli from Katsina state said the allegation is a “very serious matter”, coming from a ranking member of the US congress.

On his part, Amobi Ogah, a lawmaker from Abia state, said NGOs “occupy most offices” in Borno state, hence they must be investigated.

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

Following that, the house resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to probe the allegation.

The green chamber asked the federal government to engage with the US government to “obtain a formal clarification on this matter”.

The house also invited heads of security agencies, including Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser; and Adeola Ajayi, the director-general (DG) of the Department of State Services (DSS), to provide insight on the allegation.