Over the past decade, the U.S. has provided Nigeria with $7.8 billion in aid, supporting healthcare, security, education, and economic development. However, President Donald Trump’s decision to halt U.S. foreign aid and shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is set to create major challenges for Nigeria.
Security Threats
Nigeria has relied on U.S. military assistance to fight Boko Haram and ISWAP. The withdrawal of aid means reduced military training, intelligence-sharing, and counterterrorism funding, leaving the country vulnerable to rising insurgency and insecurity.
Healthcare Crisis
U.S. aid has funded essential health programs, including HIV/AIDS treatment under PEPFAR, malaria and tuberculosis control, and maternal healthcare. Without this support, millions of Nigerians could lose access to life-saving treatments, putting further strain on the already struggling health sector.
Impact on Education and Human Rights
USAID has played a key role in supporting education through scholarships, teacher training, and funding for marginalized communities. Additionally, U.S. aid has helped civil society organizations promote democracy and human rights. The loss of this funding could weaken Nigeria’s education sector and civic engagement efforts.
Fraud Scandal in USAID’s Nigeria Operations
U.S. contractor Chemonics International Inc. agreed to pay a $3.1 million fine for failing to detect fraudulent overcharges by its Nigerian subcontractor, Zenith Carex. The Abuja-based logistics company inflated invoices between 2017 and 2020 while handling the delivery of HIV/AIDS treatment packages.
What This Means for Nigeria
The U.S. is the largest global humanitarian donor, and cutting foreign aid could severely impact Nigeria’s economic and social stability. With Nigeria still battling poverty, insurgency, and weak infrastructure, losing U.S. assistance may force the country to seek alternative funding sources or risk setbacks in critical sectors.
