USAID shutdown threatens Nigeria’s development programmes —Experts

HEALTH experts are warning that Nigeria’s development sector may experience significant disruptions as the U.S. moves to dissolve USAID and integrate its operations into the State Department. This shift has raised concerns about the future of aid programs in the country.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja, experts expressed their concerns. NAN reports that this transition is set to begin on July 1, with all remaining USAID employees either reassigned or terminated by September 2.

Dr. Obinna Eze, a development economist, cautioned that the restructuring could lead to funding shortfalls. “Many USAID-funded projects provide life-saving interventions. If these are disrupted, the impact on Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations could be severe,” he said.

Additionally, there are concerns about how foreign aid is allocated within donor countries. Reports suggest that in 2023, 22 percent of total foreign aid from wealthy donor nations was spent domestically, primarily for refugee support and administrative costs.

“With the U.S. government shifting priorities, there is uncertainty about how much of its development budget will continue to reach countries like Nigeria,” Eze added.

Professor Oyewale Tomori, a virology expert, urged the Nigerian government to actively seek alternative funding sources and enhance partnerships with other donors to mitigate the potential negative effects. “This is a wake-up call for Nigeria to diversify its development funding sources and invest more in self-sustaining programs,” Tomori stated.

The restructuring raises concerns about the future of U.S.-funded development initiatives in Nigeria, which have been crucial for healthcare, education, and economic growth. According to a memo obtained by CNN, USAID, once a global leader in development assistance with 10,000 employees, has now been reduced to just 900 personnel.

While it remains unclear which programs will continue after the transition, experts fear that aid flows to Nigeria and other developing nations could diminish. Nigeria has historically benefited from USAID’s interventions, particularly in areas such as maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS prevention, malaria control, and agricultural development. The agency has also played a vital role during humanitarian crises, providing essential support to combat food insecurity and displacement due to conflict.

NAN notes that while U.S. officials have indicated that some USAID functions will transition to the State Department, the long-term implications for Nigeria’s development remain uncertain.

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