The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has addressed recent allegations regarding USAID’s involvement in funding Boko Haram and other terrorist groups. Mills categorically stated that there is no evidence supporting these claims and reiterated that no nation condemns Boko Haram’s violence more strongly than the United States.
The statement follows a controversial accusation made by Congressman Scott Perry on February 13, 2025, during a hearing in which he suggested that USAID funds were being misused to support terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
Perry’s remarks raised concerns regarding the alleged misappropriation of taxpayer funds, but Mills firmly rejected the accusations, emphasizing that the U.S. government has strict policies in place to prevent any diversion of funds to terrorist groups.
Mills reassured the public that if any evidence of misuse were found, the U.S. would immediately cooperate with Nigerian authorities to investigate and address the issue. He also highlighted the U.S. government’s longstanding designation of Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization since 2013, which has allowed the U.S. to block the group’s access to U.S. assets and coordinate with Nigeria in combating terrorism.
Additionally, Mills clarified that no U.S. assistance to Nigeria had been cut, as some may have believed following statements from the Trump administration. Instead, a 90-day pause was implemented to assess and improve the effectiveness of U.S. aid, particularly in critical areas such as healthcare, including HIV and maternal nutrition programs.
Mills further outlined four key priorities for the future of U.S.-Nigeria relations, focusing on enhancing business opportunities, improving transparency, engaging at the state and local levels, and ensuring the sustainability of health programs.
