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Nigeria’s Access to $602.95m USAID Grant in Limbo Amid Trump’s Aid Freeze

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Nigeria’s Access to $602.95m USAID Grant in Limbo Amid Trump’s Aid Freeze

Nigeria’s Access to $602.95m USAID Grant in Limbo Amid Trump’s Aid Freeze

 

Nigeria’s access to a crucial $602.95 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for 2025 is now under threat following a sweeping 90-day suspension of all USAID programs, implemented by US President Donald Trump.

The freeze follows an executive order signed by Trump in January 2025, shortly after his return to office. The order mandates a comprehensive review of all US foreign aid programs to assess their efficiency and alignment with American national interests.

The sudden freeze has disrupted multiple USAID-supported initiatives in Nigeria, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare, governance, economic development, and national security.

Nigerian Senate Investigates Terrorism Funding Allegations

The suspension also comes as the Nigerian Senate summoned intelligence chiefs to investigate allegations made by US Congressman Perry Scott. Scott accused USAID of indirectly funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, raised an Order of Urgent National Security to address the claims. Intelligence officials summoned include the heads of the National Intelligence Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, Department of State Services, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Impact on Health Sector: Funding for HIV/AIDS and Maternal Health in Jeopardy

The proposed USAID budget for 2025 allocated $368 million—nearly 89% of the total grant—to health-related initiatives. Among the programs at risk:

  • HIV/AIDS: $368 million was earmarked for Global Health Programs, with $322 million from GHP-State and $46 million from GHP-USAID.
  • Malaria and Tuberculosis: $73 million and $22 million, respectively, were dedicated to combating these diseases.
  • Maternal and Child Health: $33.25 million was allocated for maternal healthcare, with $22.5 million for family planning and reproductive health programs.
    Only $2.5 million was designated for water supply and sanitation, a critical need in Nigeria’s rural areas.

Emergency Measures by Nigerian Government

In response, the Nigerian government has approved $200 million to sustain healthcare services. The Ministry of Finance confirmed the funds will go toward vaccine procurement, antiretroviral drug distribution, and maternal health services.

Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, also revealed plans to engage 28,000 health workers who had been funded under USAID’s programs. The Federal Executive Council approved an additional N4.5 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.

Governance and Security Initiatives Face Uncertainty

Governance programs were set to receive $7.5 million under USAID, covering democracy, civil society engagement, and human rights initiatives. However, these programs are now in jeopardy as Trump’s administration reassesses its foreign policy priorities in Africa.

The aid suspension also places $7.6 million in security funding at risk, which was intended to bolster Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts.

Economic Development Programs Could Be Affected

USAID had allocated $39.6 million for economic growth initiatives, with $29.1 million designated for agriculture. Clean energy projects and private sector productivity were also slated to receive $5 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Broader US Scrutiny of Foreign Aid

Between 2022 and 2024, Nigeria received $2.8 billion from USAID. However, the agency now faces heightened scrutiny after Congressman Perry’s claims that American aid funds were misused or diverted to fund terrorist organizations.

As the 90-day aid review progresses, Nigeria may be forced to rely more heavily on domestic resources or seek alternative support from the World Bank and African Development Bank. The Nigerian government, meanwhile, continues to navigate a diplomatic and economic crisis with far-reaching consequences for its development and stability.

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Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation opens applications for 6th Cohort Programme

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Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation opens applications for 6th Cohort Programme

 

The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the sixth cohort of its transformative AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP).

This flagship six-month executive education initiative, delivered by the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, is designed to empower high-potential public sector leaders across Africa with the tools, networks, and strategic insight required to deliver meaningful reform across African public institutions.

Applications are now open to qualified public servants from all English-speaking African countries and will close on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The programme commences in October 2026.

Since its inception in 2021, the AIG PLP has built a formidable reputation for creating tangible impact.

Alumni from the programme have gone on to design and implement more than 230 reform projects within their ministries, departments, and agencies across Africa.

An impact survey revealed that 62% of alumni have earned promotions or assumed expanded leadership roles post-training, demonstrating the programme’s direct effect on career advancement and institutional influence.

“Across Africa, the complexity of public sector challenges demands more than good intentions. It requires reformers who understand systems, can navigate institutional realities, and are equipped to implement sustainable change.

The AIG PLP is designed to meet this need,” said Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice-Chair of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation.

As part of the programme, a PLP alumna, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of Lagos State DSVA, launched a secure self-reporting tool that allows survivors of domestic and sexual abuse safely document incidents and preserve evidence.

Survivors are already accessing support, and the tool ensures that crucial proof is protected until justice can be sought. This is one of over 230 impactful reform projects being implemented across sectors as diverse as healthcare, finance, agriculture, and education.

We are seeing proof every day that investing in the capacity and leadership potential of people, delivers the kind of transformation that policy alone cannot achieve.”

The AIG PLP is a blended learning experience that combines online sessions with an intensive residential module.

It is offered at no cost to selected participants, with the Foundation covering all costs of the programme including accommodation and feeding during the residential weeks.

Participants gain direct access to world-class faculty from the University of Oxford, and learn to tackle core public sector challenges such as: Negotiating in the public interest. Harnessing digital technology for governance.

Strengthening public organisations.
Upholding integrity in public life.
The curriculum culminates in a capstone reform project, where participants apply their new skills to a real-world challenge within their institution.

This practical component ensures that learning translates directly into actionable solutions.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early. For more details on the application process and to apply, please visit the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation website.

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Inspect RHA Secretariat

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Renewed Hope Ambassadors Inspect RHA Secretariat

 

Renewed Hope Ambassadors, led by its Director-General and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, alongside Zonal Coordinators (NW, NC, SE), the Media & Publicity Directorate, and other key stakeholders, inspected the RHA Secretariat two days after President Bola Tinubu unveiled the Renewed Hope Ambassadors grassroots engagement drive in Abuja.

 

APC Convention Committee Inspects Secretariat Buildings in Abuja

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Harmony Gardens’ Ibeju-Lekki Portfolio Crosses $1bn

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Harmony Gardens’ Ibeju-Lekki Portfolio Crosses $1bn

Harmony Garden & Estate Development Limited has expanded its development activities across Ibeju-Lekki, pushing the projected long-term value of its estate portfolio beyond $1 billion.

Led by Chief Executive Officer Hon. Dr. Audullahi Saheed Mosadoluwa, popularly know Saheed Ibile, the company is developing seven estates within the Lekki–Ibeju corridor. Details available on Harmony Garden & Estate Development show a portfolio spanning land assets and ongoing residential construction across key growth locations.

A major component is Lekki Aviation Town, where urban living meets neighborhood charm, located near the proposed Lekki International Airport and valued internally at over $250 million. The development forms part of the company’s broader phased expansion strategy within the axis.

Other estates in the corridor tagged as the “Citadel of Joy” (Ogba-idunnu) include Granville Estate, Majestic Bay Estate, The Parliament Phase I & II, and Harmony Casa Phase I & II.

With multiple projects active, the rollout of the Ibile Traditional Mortgage System, and structured expansion underway, Harmony Garden & Estate Development Ltd continues to deepen its presence within the fast-growing Ibeju-Lekki real estate market.

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