Nigeria’s access to a $602.95m grant for 2025 from the United States Agency for International Development is now uncertain, following a 90-day suspension of all agency programmes by President Donald Trump.

The fund freeze stems from an executive order signed by President Trump after his return to office in January 2025, directing a comprehensive review of US foreign assistance.

The review aims to assess the effectiveness of American aid programmes, with a focus on eliminating waste and ensuring funds align with US national interests.

With the aid freeze in place, funding for crucial sectors, particularly health, governance, economic development, and security, hangs in the balance.

The move has already disrupted multiple USAID-supported initiatives, with Nigeria among the countries facing uncertainty over planned allocations.

This comes as the Senate summoned intelligence chiefs to investigate allegations made by United States Congressman Perry Scott that USAID has been funding terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram.

Those summoned included the heads of the National Intelligence Agency, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Department of State Services and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The resolution followed an Order of Urgent National Security raised under Order 41 by the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, Ali Ndume.

According to the proposed USAID budget for 2025, a staggering 89.27 per cent of the total $602.95m earmarked for Nigeria was designated for health-related programmes, highlighting the country’s heavy reliance on US support in the sector.

The largest share, $368m, was set aside for HIV/AIDS programmes under the Global Health Program, with $322m coming from GHP-State and $46m from GHP-USAID.

Other allocations included $22m for tuberculosis, $73m for malaria control, $33.25m for maternal and child health, and $22.5m for family planning and reproductive health.

However, funding for water supply and sanitation was set at just $2.5m, raising concerns about the accessibility of clean drinking water, especially in rural areas.

With USAID funding now frozen, the Nigerian government has taken emergency measures to cushion the impact, approving $200m to sustain healthcare services.

The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the funds would be directed towards essential vaccine procurement, antiretroviral drug distribution, and maternal health services, as fears grow over potential disruptions to critical health interventions.

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