The controversy stems from a viral video featuring U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, who alleged during a congressional hearing that USAID had indirectly financed terrorist activities across the world, including in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Senate has summoned key security chiefs to appear before it following allegations that international organisations, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), may have been involved in funding terrorist groups like Boko Haram.
The controversy stems from a viral video featuring U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, who alleged during a congressional hearing that USAID had indirectly financed terrorist activities across the world, including in Nigeria.
His claims echoed recent warnings from Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, who had raised concerns about terrorist groups in the country receiving funding and training from international organisations.
Perry’s statement comes amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. foreign aid policies.
The lawmaker, a member of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party, accused USAID of inadvertently supporting extremist groups through its annual budget of $697 million.
He cited concerns over cash flows to Islamic schools (madrasas), which he claimed had facilitated terrorist training.
However, Nigeria lawmakers on Wednesday issued summons after a motion was raised by Senator Ali Ndume, calling for an urgent investigation into the claims.
The National Security Adviser, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Director of the National Intelligence Agency, and the Defence Intelligence Agency are expected to provide clarifications.
Trump’s earlier decision to suspend all foreign aid for 90 days in January to assess whether such funds were being used in alignment with U.S. interests.
Critics, however, have accused Trump’s administration of attempting to undermine institutions like USAID.