EFCC and FBI investigate alleged diversion and mismanagement of USAID funds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen strategic collaboration, intelligence sharing and operational synergy in investigations into alleged diversion and mismanagement of funds provided under US Government-supported programs.

The decision was made when Macus Maccain, Assistant Law Enforcement Officer, FBI, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the office of the Acting Zonal Director, EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, EFCC Deputy Commander, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, recently, according to a press release by the Head of the Commission, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in Abuja.

Speaking during the interactive session, Maccain said the visit aimed, among other things, to strengthen existing cooperation in investigations into alleged financial irregularities involving organizations that received funds under programs supported by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, particularly those related to HIV and tuberculosis interventions.

He said the commitment became necessary following the closure of some USAID programs by the US government in 2025.

According to Maccain, the development subsequently raised concerns about the management of funds left to some implementing organizations after the programs were suspended.

He said some organizations are suspected of mismanagement or of allegedly diverting funds that were provided to them before the affected programs were closed.

“We are seeking greater engagement with the EFCC to establish how the funds were managed and identify possible financial misconduct arising from the termination of the programmes,” he said.

Additionally, Jeremy Kennon, Special Agent in Charge of the State Department’s Office of Inspector General, said the U.S. and Nigerian governments had previously entered into an agreement to support the fight against HIV and tuberculosis, with the State Department and the Nigerian government providing funding to organizations implementing related programs.

He said some organizations have established one-stop HIV treatment centers, however, subsequent reviews highlighted concerns over bloated budgets and other financial irregularities in Kano state and several other states.

Kennon stressed that the concerns are not limited to Kano or Nigeria, noting that similar problems have been identified in different parts of the world.

According to him, the FBI was interested in developing a long-term working relationship with the EFCC on the matter, including mutual exchange of information.

“We would like to work with the EFCC on this matter on a long-term basis and we will share information with you; not just receive information from you,” Kennon said.

In response, Kaltungo welcomed the delegation on behalf of the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, and described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as “long-standing, particularly in the area of ​​law enforcement cooperation.”

He assured the delegation that the EFCC will investigate allegations relating to the diversion or mismanagement of USAID funds across Nigeria and trace the movement of the funds to their final beneficiaries.

According to Kaltungo, tracing the funds and identifying the beneficiaries would allow investigators to establish “how the money was spent; whether it was used for the purposes for which it was provided and whether any part was mismanaged or diverted following the cancellation of the programs.”

Kaltungo also assured the delegation that the investigation will be coordinated and will cover all states where the affected organizations and programs operate.

He added that the Commission will work with the FBI to follow the financial trail and establish the facts regarding the alleged diversion of funds.