TD Lagos, Nigeria — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has formally sought collaboration with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate allegations of mismanagement and diversion of funds provided under United States government-supported programmes.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday.
Oyewale stated that Macus Maccain, Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the FBI, made the request during a visit to EFCC’s Lagos zonal office.
He met with Bawa Kaltungo, Acting Zonal Director of the Commission, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in financial crime investigations.
Focus of the Investigation
According to Maccain, the probe will center on funds allocated to HIV and tuberculosis interventions under USAID programmes.
He explained that the shutdown of USAID operations in 2025 left lingering concerns about funds that remained with implementing organisations after the programmes were discontinued.
“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 programmes,” Maccain said.
Jeremy Kennon, Special Agent from the Office of Inspector General of the US Department of State, added that subsequent reviews uncovered inflated budgets and irregularities in Kano and several other states.
He emphasized that the concerns were not limited to Nigeria, but part of a broader global audit of USAID-funded projects.
Kennon noted that the programmes had supported the establishment of one-stop centers for HIV treatment and other critical interventions.
It makes the alleged diversion of funds particularly troubling given the impact on vulnerable populations.
Strengthening Cooperation
Kennon stressed the importance of building a long-term working relationship between the FBI and EFCC, including reciprocal information sharing and joint investigative frameworks.
On behalf of EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, Kaltungo welcomed the delegation, describing US-Nigeria ties as “long-standing, particularly in law enforcement cooperation.”
He assured the FBI that the EFCC would investigate across all states where affected organisations operated, tracing the movement of funds to their ultimate beneficiaries.
This partnership, officials said, is expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to track complex financial flows, especially in cases involving international donors and cross-border transactions.
Background
The Trump administration shut down USAID in July 2025, ending more than six decades of global development work under the agency.
The closure raised questions about accountability for funds already disbursed, particularly in health-related interventions such as HIV and tuberculosis programmes.
USAID had long been a cornerstone of US foreign assistance, funding projects in health, education, agriculture, and governance across Africa and beyond.
Its abrupt termination left gaps in service delivery and heightened scrutiny over how billions of dollars in aid had been managed.
The latest collaboration between the FBI and EFCC signals a renewed push for joint anti-corruption efforts between Nigeria and the United States.
Analysts say the investigation could set a precedent for how donor funds are monitored and audited in the wake of programme closures.
This will ensure that resources intended for public health are not siphoned off through fraud or mismanagement.
Implications
For Nigeria, the probe underscores the importance of transparency in managing foreign aid, especially in critical sectors like health.
For the US, it reflects a broader effort to safeguard taxpayer-funded programmes and maintain accountability even after aid structures are dismantled.
Observers note that the outcome of this investigation could influence future donor confidence in Nigeria and shape the framework for international cooperation on financial crimes.
This story is developing. Updates will follow as investigations progress and findings emerge.
