The Senate has directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu along with the heads of the National Intelligence Agency and Defence Intelligence Agency, to appear before it regarding allegations that USAID is providing financial support to Boko Haram.
The decision to launch an inquiry into potential foreign sponsorship of terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, was prompted by a motion introduced by Senator Ali Ndume.
Lawmakers raised concerns following a viral video featuring U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, who claimed during a congressional hearing that USAID has been implicated in financing extremist groups worldwide.
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Senator Ndume emphasised that these allegations surfaced shortly after the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, warned that terrorist factions in Nigeria were receiving external financial and operational support.
The controversy follows statements by Congressman Perry, who alleged that USAID’s $697 million annual budget, which includes financial aid to Islamic schools, has inadvertently supported terrorist networks.
He made these claims during a session of an advisory committee established by former U.S. President Donald Trump to review government expenditures.
Perry, a member of Trump’s Republican Party, has drawn criticism for his stance, with opponents accusing the former president of attempting to undermine organizations like USAID.
In January, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of foreign aid, citing the need to reassess whether such expenditures align with U.S. national interests.
The Senate’s inquiry aims to uncover any links between foreign aid and terrorist financing, ensuring that national security remains a priority.
