- The US Agency for International Development (USAID) closure sparked a national debate in Nigeria
- Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the continuation of the international program
- However, Senator Ali Ndume has urged Nigeria to move beyond dependence on foreign aid
Reactions have continued to pour in from Nigerian leaders following the Trump administration’s controversial decision to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID), labelling the organisation a "criminal entity."
While some urged the continuation of USAID programs, others have called for the nation to move beyond foreign aid dependency.
Bianca urges continuation of USAID in Nigeria, Africa
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, urged the continuation of USAID’s programs, highlighting their significance in addressing humanitarian issues in Nigeria and across Africa.
She said, “We cannot confirm the outright suspension, but many NGOs are anxious for clarification.”
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday, February 16, in Abuja, following a visit by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., Odumegwu-Ojukwu appealed for the programs to persist despite the challenges faced by some Non Governmental Organisations ( NGOs).
Ambassador Mills responded by reassuring that USAID remains committed to its life-saving initiatives, particularly in healthcare and humanitarian aid, despite the difficulties encountered by certain non-governmental organisations.
Ali Ndume argues Nigeria should not rely on foreign aid
However, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, argued that Nigeria should not rely on foreign aid, stating that the country possesses ample resources to support its citizens and even assist other nations.
“What I’m saying is that the security and welfare of Nigerian citizens is the responsibility of the government. It is not the responsibility of any other government or any other country,” Ndume said.
Speaking on Channels Television, Ndume emphasised that Nigeria’s challenges stem not from a lack of resources, but from ineffective leadership.
He called for a change in mindset, urging the country to transition from being a recipient of aid to a donor nation.
Senator urges Nigerians to demand better leadership
The senator also expressed concern about Nigeria’s diminishing global appeal, recalling a time when expatriates sought employment in the country.
“Now Nigerians are struggling to go outside the country to be slaves, doing dirty jobs to survive,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to take control of the nation’s future by demanding better leadership.
“This is like a wake-up call for all of us to stand up. We have everything. The only problem is in the leadership,” he added.
US Congressman alleges USAID funded terror groups, including Boko Haram
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that US Congressman Scott Perry alleged that the USAID budget supported extremist organisations like Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.
According to the report, President Trump and Elon Musk pushed for USAID’s closure, accusing it of corruption and "rogue CIA work.”