LAGOS — Concerns are rising in Nigeria following President Donald Trump’s recent Executive Order to suspend foreign aid to African nations. As a result, thousands of employees at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will begin mandatory leave today. The funding freeze has significantly impacted Nigerian development programs, forcing local organizations that depend on USAID support to lay off staff, cancel activities, and halt critical life-saving initiatives, leading to fears of a looming humanitarian and development crisis.
However, not all news is grim for African nations, as a federal judge recently blocked President Trump’s efforts to restrict birthright citizenship in the U.S., challenging a right upheld for over a century. While some stakeholders have criticized the U.S. government’s decision to freeze USAID funding for its potential negative impact on the very people who benefit from these programs, others view it as a call for Nigeria and other African nations to become more self-reliant. Concerns are also rising about job losses in Nigeria’s non-governmental organizations that are linked to USAID due to the funding setbacks.
The funding freeze imposed by the US government on USAID has caused significant disruptions, with several organizations shutting down or canceling programs. A recent example is a family planning training program in Abuja that was cancelled just two days before its launch. USAID plays a crucial role in global development, promoting national security, economic prosperity, and self-reliance in recipient nations. In Nigeria, USAID programs focus on areas such as economic growth, healthcare, governance, and renewable energy. The country is among the top six recipients of USAID’s funding, with $1.02 billion allocated to Nigeria in 2023. Specific programs, like the Feed the Future Initiative, aim to improve agricultural productivity, market access, and food security for Nigerian farmers.
USAID is actively involved in enhancing trade by reforming customs processes and upgrading transportation infrastructure, while also strengthening the private sector and expanding export opportunities. The E-WASH project addresses urban water and sanitation challenges in six states, aiming to provide millions of Nigerians with access to clean water. In the health sector, USAID focuses on improving access to family planning, reproductive health services, and vaccinations. Additionally, the agency partners with various organizations to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to manage tuberculosis and strengthen primary healthcare systems.
Dr. Ejike Orji, Chairman of the Management Committee for the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning, expressed concern over the sudden freeze on USAID funding, which has severely disrupted essential programs for organizations reliant on this support. He noted that staffing cuts, halted advocacy campaigns, and canceled training programs will have widespread negative impacts on the communities served.
Orji highlighted that similar initiatives in regions like Lagos, Sokoto, and Bauchi, aimed at strengthening civil society advocacy for family planning and immigration reform, have also been postponed indefinitely. He warned that the health sector in Nigeria, a major focus of USAID, is facing dire consequences, particularly regarding anti-retroviral drug supplies that could lead to increased HIV-related deaths and infections.
He further emphasized that reduced funding for family planning would result in more children born into poverty, worsening Nigeria’s population growth and straining public resources. Additionally, he pointed out that agriculture and food security programs funded by USAID are now uncertain, which threatens vulnerable communities and their ability to adapt to climate change and enhance productivity.
Professor Oliver Ezechi, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, warned that the removal of USAID funding would have a negative impact on health programs in Nigeria. He explained that a sudden withdrawal of funding could disrupt ongoing services, leading to gaps in care, particularly for vulnerable populations, and potentially causing a resurgence of diseases. This could result in increased morbidity and mortality, as well as economic strain on the national healthcare system.
However, Ezechi also saw a potential silver lining, suggesting that the cessation of US funding could prompt countries to take greater responsibility for their public health initiatives, promoting ownership and accountability. This could lead to the development of sustainable funding mechanisms and diversification of funding sources.
In response to the funding halt, the Federal Executive Council has approved $1.07 billion for healthcare sector reforms and allocated N4.8 billion for HIV treatment. Additionally, a multi-ministerial committee has been established to develop a transition and sustainability plan for USAID-funded health programs. The committee aims to secure new financial support for critical health programs, ensuring that patients receiving treatment for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria do not experience setbacks due to the uncertainty over US foreign policy.
A district judge in Maryland has issued an indefinite injunction against the enforcement of one of Donald Trump’s controversial executive orders, which was set to take effect on February 19. Judge Deborah Boardman expressed concern that denying the right to citizenship would cause irreparable harm, reiterating that birthright citizenship is protected by the 14th Amendment, which Trump’s order contradicts. She pointed out that no court has supported the president’s interpretation of the amendment.
This ruling follows a 14-day stay on Trump’s order placed by a federal judge in Washington, who deemed it “blatantly unconstitutional.” Trump’s order attempted to assert that individuals in the U.S. illegally or on a visa were not subject to U.S. jurisdiction, thereby excluding them from citizenship. Opponents argue that the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, has been established law for over a century, citing a 1898 Supreme Court ruling affirming citizenship for those born on U.S. soil, including children of immigrants.
Meanwhile, the discussion has turned to a proposed 50% increase in telecom tariffs in Nigeria, raising concerns about its disproportionate impact on low-income individuals who rely on affordable communication services. Human rights advocates and entrepreneurs have voiced their objections, emphasizing that such a hike could exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder economic activities. Critics argue that the government’s focus on tariff increases worsens financial burdens on the population and suggest exploring alternative revenue-generating measures. The rise in tariffs could lead to increased costs for small and medium-sized enterprises, reduced competitiveness, and potential job losses, prompting calls for reconsideration of the decision to protect the welfare of citizens and the economy.