EFCC, FBI move to investigate alleged diversion and mismanagement of USAID funds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have sought to deepen strategic collaboration, intelligence sharing, and operational synergy in investigating alleged diversion and mismanagement of funds provided by United States Government-supported programs.

The decision was taken on Thursday, September 10, 2026, when Macus Maccain, Assistant FBI Law Enforcement Attaché, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the office of the Acting Zonal Director, Lagos EFCC Zonal Directorate 2, EFCC Assistant Commander, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo.

Speaking in an interactive session, Maccain said the visit aims, among other things, to strengthen existing cooperation in investigating allegations of financial irregularities involving organizations that have received funding through programs supported by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, particularly those related to HIV and tuberculosis interventions.

He said this involvement became important after the closure of several USAID programs by the United States Government in 2025.

According to him, this development then raised concerns about the management of funds that several implementing organizations still had after the program was stopped.

He said some organizations allegedly mismanaged or allegedly diverted funds that had been given to them before the affected programs were closed.

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“We are seeking stronger engagement with the EFCC to find out how the funds are managed and identify possible financial violations arising from the termination of the program,” he said.

Also speaking, Jeremy Kennon, Special Agent, Office of Inspector General, Department of State, said the governments of the United States and Nigeria had previously signed an agreement to support the fight against HIV and tuberculosis, with the Department of State and the Government of Nigeria providing funding to organizations implementing related programs.

He said several organizations had set up integrated HIV treatment centers.

But he said subsequent reviews had revealed concerns over budget overruns and other financial irregularities in Kano State and some other states.

Kennon emphasized that these concerns are not unique to Kano or Nigeria, as similar problems have been identified in various parts of the world.

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

“We want to work with the EFCC on this long term, and we will share information with you; not just get information from you,” Kennon said.

Responding, Kaltungo welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, and described the relationship between Nigeria and the United States as “a long-term relationship, especially in the area of ​​law enforcement cooperation.”

He assured his delegation that the EFCC would investigate allegations surrounding the diversion or mismanagement of USAID funds across Nigeria and trace the movement of such funds to their ultimate beneficiaries.

According to him, tracing the funds and identifying beneficiaries will allow investigators to determine “how the funds were spent; whether they were used for the purposes for which they were provided and whether any portion was mismanaged or diverted after the cancellation of the program.”

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

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