FBI partners EFCC to probe alleged diversion of USAID funds in Nigeria

The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, is to partner with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to probe alleged mismanagement and diversion of funds released for US-backed health programmes in Nigeria.

The probe will cover every organisation and group that received funds under programmes supported by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, especially projects targeting HIV and tuberculosis interventions.

The FBI made the request during a meeting with the EFCC in Lagos, as both countries move to deepen cooperation on financial crimes involving international funds.

Spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, in a statement said the request was presented by Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the FBI, Marcus Maccain, during his visit to the EFCC Acting Zonal Director in Lagos.

Maccain stated that the rationale behind the engagement is to boost cooperation between the two agencies and assist investigations into financial irregularities linked to organisations that implemented US-funded programmes in Nigeria.

According to him, the focus would be on funds released before some of the USAID-supported, noting that questions had emerged over how implementing organisations handled money that remained in their possession after the termination of some programmes.

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