Richard M. Mills, Jr., the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, has dismissed claims that USAID funds were used to support the Boko Haram terrorist group, emphasizing that the U.S. was the first country to designate Boko Haram as a terrorist organization.
During a hearing on government efficiency, Republican lawmaker Perry alleged the misallocation of taxpayer funds to Boko Haram through USAID. Mills, speaking after a meeting with Nigerian governors, firmly rejected these allegations.
He stated, “Let me be clear: no friend of Nigeria has condemned Boko Haram’s violence more than the United States. Since 2013, we have designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization, which enables us to prevent asset transfers to the U.S., arrest and detain Boko Haram members, and collaborate with the Nigerian government in investigations.”
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Mills assured that there are strict policies to prevent any USAID funding from reaching terrorist groups. He added, “There is absolutely no evidence to support such claims. If we were to receive evidence of diverted funds, we would immediately investigate with our Nigerian partners. The U.S. stands with Nigeria in combating terrorism.”
As for his priorities as Ambassador, Mills outlined four main goals: enhancing trade and investment between the U.S. and Nigeria; promoting transparency and accountability to combat corruption; increasing engagement at state and local government levels; and expanding healthcare programs, which are a significant aspect of U.S. assistance to Nigeria, especially in reducing HIV and improving vaccination rates against polio.
