The NGOs regulatory bill reechoes in the House as Reps move to probe alleged USAID funding of boko haram
The House of Representatives has taken a decisive step to address allegations made by U.S. Congressman, Scott Perry, who alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been involved in funding Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations.
On Thursday, the House set up an ad-hoc committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and submit its findings within two weeks.
As part of its resolution, the House directed the ad-hoc committee to invite key stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning. These officials will provide insights and clarification regarding the allegations.
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The lawmakers also called on the Federal Government, through the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, to formally seek clarification on the claims. They urged citizens and the media to remain vigilant and support security agencies with critical information to aid the fight against terrorism.
Additionally, the House mandated the ad-hoc committee to investigate the activities, funding sources, and expenditure patterns of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in northern Nigeria.
Concerns Over NGO Activities
The motion, sponsored by Rep. Inuwa Garba (PDP, Gombe), highlighted the gravity of the allegations.
Garba referenced Scott Perry’s statement, saying: “Scott Perry made this claim during the inaugural hearing of the subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, where he claimed that $697 million (was spent) annually plus shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, etc.
“With Boko Haram’s dominant presence in Northern Nigeria, it is safe to assume that it (Boko Haram) had significantly benefitted from this funding as alleged by Scott Perry.”
Garba further noted that such an allegation, if proven, would have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s national security and sovereignty.
He stressed the importance of uncovering the truth to prevent further emboldening of criminal and terrorist elements, which would exacerbate Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.
Call for Thorough Investigation
Rep. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina) supported the motion, describing the allegations as grave and in need of proper investigation. He emphasized the need to regulate the activities of Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and development partners in Nigeria, given the seriousness of the claim coming from a U.S. Congressman.
“Now, we know why the fight against insurgency has been dragging on since 2009,” Rep. Soli remarked. He also referenced his earlier effort to regulate NGOs through a bill he sponsored on February 8, 2024.
Parliament Report recalls how Rep. Soli sought to regulate NGOs through a bill he sponsored on February 8, 2024. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish a Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organization Agency for the Promotion and Social Development of Activities in Nigeria and Related Matters (HB. 941)”, aimed to provide a legislative framework for the regulation of NGOs and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
The Ad-Hoc Committee
The ad hoc committee tasked with investigating the allegations is chaired by Rep. Victor Obuzor and includes other members such as Rep. Babajimi Benson, Rep. Fred Agbedi, Rep. Salman Idris, Rep. Okey Joe, Rep. Uduak Odudoh, Rep. Mansur Jega, Rep. Shittu Galambi, and Rep. Ebikake Marie Enenimiete, among others.
