US investigators seek stronger cooperation with EFCC to trace funds released for HIV, tuberculosis and other USAID-backed programmes
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is set to work with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged mismanagement and diversion of funds released for United States-backed health programmes in Nigeria.
The joint investigation is expected to cover organisations and groups that received funding under programmes supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), particularly initiatives focused on tackling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other public health challenges.
The development follows a meeting between officials of the FBI and the EFCC in Lagos, as the two countries seek to strengthen cooperation in investigating financial crimes involving international funds.
According to a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the request for greater collaboration was made by the FBI’s Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché, Marcus Maccain, during a visit to the EFCC Acting Zonal Director in Lagos.
Maccain said the FBI wanted to deepen its engagement with the EFCC to support investigations into alleged financial irregularities involving organisations that implemented US-funded programmes in Nigeria.
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He explained that particular attention would be given to funds released before the termination of some USAID-supported programmes, including money that remained with implementing organisations after the programmes were discontinued.
The FBI official said the investigation would seek to establish how such funds were managed and whether any financial misconduct occurred following the termination of the 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.
The proposed cooperation comes amid increased scrutiny of the management of foreign-funded development and health programmes, particularly where large sums of public or donor funds are transferred to local implementing organisations.
The FBI and EFCC are expected to examine financial records, transactions and other relevant documentation to determine how the funds were utilised and whether any portion was unlawfully diverted or mismanaged.
The investigation could also help establish whether funds meant for specific health interventions were spent for their intended purposes or remained unaccounted for after some programmes were brought to an end.
The EFCC has not indicated that all organisations involved in the USAID-supported programmes are suspected of wrongdoing. Rather, the proposed probe is expected to establish the facts surrounding the handling of the funds and determine whether there is evidence of financial misconduct.
The collaboration reflects the growing cooperation between Nigerian and US law enforcement authorities in tracking financial crimes that cross international borders.
Both agencies are expected to share relevant information and investigative expertise as they work to trace the movement and utilisation of funds connected to the affected programmes.
The outcome of the investigation could determine whether further action is required against individuals or organisations found to have violated financial regulations or misused funds intended for public health interventions.
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