The recent Executive Order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, halting foreign aid to African nations, has caused widespread concern in Nigeria, with thousands of employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) set to begin mandatory leave today.
The freeze on USAID funding has sent shockwaves through Nigerian development sectors, particularly for local organizations that depend entirely on the agency’s financial support. These groups are now facing layoffs, cancellations of vital programs, and the abandonment of life-saving initiatives, raising concerns about a potential humanitarian and development crisis.
However, it’s not all negative news for African nations. A federal judge recently blocked Trump’s effort to restrict birthright citizenship in the U.S., marking a significant setback to the president’s bid to revoke a fundamental right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution for over a century.
While some have criticized the U.S. government’s actions, warning of the adverse effects on the populations who benefit from these programs, others view the move as a wake-up call for Nigeria and other African nations to take more responsibility for their development needs.
The order has also triggered fears of widespread job losses, especially among Nigerian NGOs affiliated with USAID. These organizations are already experiencing closures while awaiting further instructions from their funders. For instance, a planned family planning training in Abuja was abruptly cancelled just days before its scheduled launch due to the funding freeze.
The Role of USAID in Nigeria
USAID’s programs are essential for global development, advancing U.S. national security and economic prosperity while fostering self-reliance in recipient countries. In Nigeria, USAID’s focus includes economic growth, food security, health, governance, gender equality, renewable energy, and stability in conflict-affected regions. Nigeria ranks sixth among the highest recipients of USAID aid, receiving $1.02 billion in 2023 alone.
Through initiatives like the Feed the Future program, USAID boosts agricultural productivity, supports market access for farmers, and improves food security. Additionally, the agency aids in trade enhancement, customs reform, infrastructure improvement, and increasing export opportunities. The E-WASH project addresses urban water and sanitation issues in several Nigerian states, and USAID is instrumental in expanding access to family planning and reproductive health services, alongside efforts to combat tuberculosis and strengthen primary healthcare.
Consequences of the Freeze
Dr. Ejike Orji, Chairman of the Management Committee at the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning, told Vanguard that the freeze has disrupted critical programs for organizations entirely reliant on USAID funding. Without warning, salaries are being cut, advocacy campaigns halted, and essential training programs cancelled.
He emphasized that such disruptions are particularly felt in regions like Lagos, Sokoto, and Bauchi, where USAID’s funding has helped build civil society advocacy for family planning and immigration reform. Orji also pointed out the devastating impact on the health sector, where interruptions in HIV treatment could result in increased deaths and new infections. He warned that the loss of funding for family planning could exacerbate poverty and strain public resources, particularly as Nigeria’s population grows rapidly.
The agriculture and food security sectors are equally at risk. Orji stressed that smallholder farmers, already vulnerable to climate change, will face even greater challenges in maintaining productivity without USAID support.
Impact on Health Programs
Prof. Oliver Ezechi, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), noted that the halt of USAID funding would severely affect ongoing health programs in Nigeria. He explained that the abrupt withdrawal could lead to gaps in healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations. This could result in higher morbidity and mortality rates, which would put additional strain on Nigeria’s already stretched health systems.
He also suggested that, while the withdrawal may hurt, it could ultimately spur African nations to take more ownership of their health initiatives and diversify funding sources through alternative partnerships with other international bodies, NGOs, or the private sector.
In response to these challenges, the Nigerian government has approved $1.07 billion for healthcare reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) program. Additionally, N4.8 billion has been allocated for HIV treatment, and a multi-ministerial committee has been established to create a transition and sustainability plan for USAID-funded health programs. The committee, which includes officials from the ministries of finance, health, and environment, aims to ensure that critical health programs, particularly for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, continue without major setbacks.
Legal Setback for Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship
In a separate but related development, a U.S. federal judge has blocked Trump’s controversial executive order that sought to strip birthright citizenship from children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants. The judge ruled that the order conflicted with the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees birthright citizenship. The decision represents a significant blow to the president’s attempt to limit this long-standing constitutional right.
This ruling adds to a prior injunction issued by a judge in Washington, who deemed the order “blatantly unconstitutional.” Trump’s opponents argue that the 14th Amendment’s protections have been settled law for over a century, citing a 1898 Supreme Court case affirming birthright citizenship for children of immigrants.
In summary, while the freeze on USAID funding has triggered a series of disruptions and raised concerns about the future of key development programs in Nigeria, it has also sparked a debate about the need for African nations to strengthen their self-reliance and find alternative funding sources for critical projects.
