FBI, EFCC launch probe into alleged diversion of USAID funds in Nigeria

The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is partnering with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe alleged mismanagement and diversion of funds released for US-backed health programmes in the country, according to Daily Post Nigeria.

The probe will cover organisations that received funding under the US Agency for International Development (USAID), particularly projects targeting HIV and tuberculosis interventions. The request was made during a meeting in Lagos, as both countries deepen cooperation on financial crimes involving international funds.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the request was presented by Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché Marcus Maccain during a visit to the EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director in Lagos. Maccain said the engagement was aimed at boosting cooperation between the two agencies and investigating financial irregularities linked to organisations that implemented US-funded programmes. He noted that questions had emerged over how implementing bodies handled leftover funds after some programmes were terminated, adding that the FBI was seeking stronger engagement with the EFCC to establish how the money was managed and identify possible misconduct.