Nigeria’s access to a $602. 95m grant for 2025 from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) hangs in the balance. This is due to a 90-day suspension of all agency programs by President Donald Trump.
The fund freeze stems from an executive order signed by President Trump. The order directs a comprehensive review of US foreign assistance to assess the effectiveness of American aid programs. Its goal is to eliminate waste.
With the aid freeze in place, funding for crucial sectors such as health, governance, economic development, and security is uncertain. The proposed USAID budget for 2025 allocated 89.27% of the total $602.95m for health-related programs.
The Senate has summoned intelligence chiefs to investigate allegations made by US Congressman Perry Scott that USAID has been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram .
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that US assistance is properly utilized, dismissing concerns about funds being diverted to terrorist groups.
If the aid freeze extends beyond the initial 90-day review period, Nigeria may need to rely more on domestic revenue or seek increased support from other development partners.