US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has categorically denied allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds Boko Haram or any terrorist group.
Mills emphasized that there is no evidence to support these claims and assured that if any evidence is found, the US government will work with the Nigerian government to investigate.
Mills’ statement comes after Congressman Scott Perry accused USAID of funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, on February 13. The US Ambassador reiterated that the US has strict policies to prevent USAID or any other US assistance from being diverted to terrorist groups.
The US government has designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization since 2013 and has been working with the Nigerian government to combat the group’s violence. Mills emphasized that the US stands with Nigeria in wanting to rid the country of the scourge of Boko Haram.
In addition to addressing the allegations, Mills outlined the embassy’s vision for the future of the US-Nigerian relationship, focusing on four key priorities: improving the business environment, increasing transparency and accountability, engaging at the subnational level, and ensuring the sustainability of health care programs.