Nigeria risks losing a $602.95 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) following a 90-day suspension of all USAID programs by the U.S. government. The suspension, ordered by President Donald Trump through an executive order, is part of a review to ensure U.S. foreign aid aligns with national security and diplomatic interests.
The affected funds were primarily allocated for healthcare programs in Nigeria, including HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria control, and maternal health initiatives. If the suspension is not lifted, it could severely impact ongoing medical interventions and humanitarian projects across the country.
In response to the funding freeze, the Nigerian government has approved an emergency allocation of $200 million to sustain essential healthcare services. However, experts warn that this amount may not fully cover the gap left by USAID’s withdrawal.
The development comes amid rising scrutiny over the effectiveness and transparency of foreign aid programs in Nigeria. With growing concerns over mismanagement and potential diversion of aid funds, both Nigerian and U.S. authorities are expected to engage in high-level diplomatic discussions to resolve the situation.
