The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is set to partner with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The partnership is to investigate the alleged mismanagement and diversion of funds released for US-backed health programs in Nigeria.
The planned probe will cover every organization and group that received funding under programs supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). A particular focus will be on projects targeting HIV and tuberculosis interventions in Nigeria.
The FBI made the request during a meeting with the EFCC in Lagos. Both countries move to deepen cooperation on financial crimes involving international funds.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement, revealing that the request was presented by the Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the FBI, Marcus Maccain, during his visit to the EFCC Acting Zonal Director in Lagos.
Maccain said the rationale behind the engagement is to boost cooperation between the two agencies. And to equally assist ongoing investigations into financial irregularities linked to organizations that implemented US-funded programs across Nigeria.
He explained that the focus would be on funds released before the termination of some USAID-supported programs. Questions had emerged over how implementing organizations handled money that remained in their possession after certain projects were shut down.
“We are seeking stronger engagement with the EFCC to establish how the funds were managed and identify possible financial misconduct arising from the termination of the programs,” Maccain said.
The development comes amid a broader global review of USAID-funded initiatives. Many of these faced abrupt termination following policy shifts within the US government earlier in the year.
Nigeria, being one of the largest recipients of USAID health interventions, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, has seen several implementing partners come under scrutiny as questions continue to trail the management of unspent funds.
As of the time of this report, the EFCC has yet to disclose the specific organizations or individuals that may be under investigation. However, both agencies are working to finalize the framework for the joint probe.
Behind The Probe: USAID’s Health Legacy In Nigeria Under Scrutiny
For years, USAID has been one of Nigeria’s largest development partners, channeling billions of dollars into critical health interventions. The fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis diseases has long posed significant public health challenges across the country.
However, the abrupt termination of several USAID programs in recent months has left many implementing organizations grappling with unspent funds. These have sparked concerns over accountability and transparency in how these resources were managed.
This growing scrutiny has prompted US authorities to seek stronger collaboration with Nigerian anti-graft agencies. Reflecting a broader push to ensure that funds meant for critical health interventions were not diverted or mismanaged. The outcome of this joint FBI-EFCC probe could set a significant precedent for how foreign-funded programs are monitored and audited in the country going forward.
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