Lawmakers in Nigeria have raised concerns about transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of more than a dozen non-profit organizations in implementing development programs funded by foreign donors like the USAID.
According to Reuters, legislators have demanded that the affected agencies submit tax and financial records dating back a decade—a move that has drawn accusations of “bullying.”
This review is part of a broader effort to ensure that foreign aid is managed effectively and delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians.
Nigeria’s lawmakers begin probe
Following comments and accusations made last month by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry regarding USAID’s alleged influence on terrorism in Nigeria, the Nigerian parliament has launched an investigation into the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the country.
Although Congressman Perry’s allegations have not been backed by concrete evidence, lawmakers have stated that there is a need to investigate claims that USAID is being used as a conduit to funnel money to Islamist groups worldwide, including Boko Haram in Nigeria.
The U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, have also rejected Perry’s assertion regarding Boko Haram
According to a letter seen by Reuters and signed by a committee of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, several NGOs involved in human rights and accountability work, including Transparency International Nigeria, have been invited for questioning.
The letter indicates that the probe aims to “unravel their real identities, sources of funding, and how they allocate their resources.”
Affected NGOs react
Notably, some major organizations affected by the probe, including Transparency International Nigeria, have criticized the investigation, describing it as an attempt to undermine their work and a clampdown on free speech.
“On the basis of hearsay, just an unfounded allegation, and a lack of any proven evidence from either Nigerian security or financial agencies, the National Assembly will embark on this walk,” said Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, head of Transparency International Nigeria, in an interview with Reuters.
Defending the probe, House of Representatives spokesperson Akin Rotimi stated that the investigation was not intended to harass non-profit organizations but rather to address the serious allegations made by the U.S. congressman.
“The allegations are too weighty to be dismissed,” Rotimi told Reuters. “It is to gain a clearer understanding of how these funds have been managed over the years to determine whether there have been any lapses.”
