The United States government has announced the temporarily suspension of development assistance funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for 90 days, a move that could impact various aid programs in Nigeria.
The executive order, issued recently by President Donald Trump, aims to review all ongoing humanitarian, development, and security projects funded by the U.S.
While emergency food programs were initially exempted, growing concerns from global aid organizations prompted U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to extend temporary exemptions for life-saving humanitarian assistance. This includes funding for medicine, medical services, food, and shelter.
In a statement on last sunday, Rubio defended the decision, emphasizing that U.S. spending must align with three key principles: ensuring America’s safety, strength, and prosperity. This review, however, has raised concerns in Nigeria, where U.S. aid has played a critical role in healthcare, food security, and economic development.
Nigeria, home to over 214 million people, has the world’s largest population living in extreme poverty, with about 96 million people surviving on less than $1.90 per day. USAID has been a major contributor to health and development programs in the country, investing over $3 billion since 2015. These funds have supported efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality, combat infectious diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, and respond to outbreaks of COVID-19, Monkeypox, and Lassa fever.
In northeast Nigeria, USAID’s Office of Food for Peace has provided critical assistance to crisis-affected populations since 2015. Working with the United Nations World Food Programme, the initiative delivers food aid, nutrition support, and livelihood programs to vulnerable communities.
Beyond health and food security, USAID has also played a significant role in Nigeria’s economic sector. In September 2023, it facilitated $205 million in debt and equity investments for Nigerian agribusinesses. Additionally, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian government to support power sector development and reforms through a N115.2 billion ($250 million) grant-funded technical assistance program.
With the U.S. aid review underway, many fear that a prolonged suspension could disrupt essential services and development efforts int he country.