Nigerian lawmakers have launched an inquiry into the activities of over a dozen non-profit organizations, demanding they submit financial and tax records dating back a decade. The investigation, outlined in a letter seen by Reuters, has sparked accusations of “bullying” and is drawing attention to the groups’ funding sources and financial activities.
Among the organizations under scrutiny are those previously funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. government’s primary aid body, which has had its operations largely suspended by the Trump administration for 90 days pending effectiveness evaluations.
The House of Representatives’ investigative committee issued letters to civil society groups focused on human rights and accountability, including Transparency International Nigeria. The letter stated the probe aimed to uncover the groups’ identities, funding sources, and financial expenditures.
This investigation follows claims made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry last month, who, without presenting evidence, alleged that USAID had channeled funds to Islamist groups, including Boko Haram in Nigeria. U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, promptly rejected these allegations.
The lawmakers are demanding detailed audited statements for the years 2015 to 2024, covering financial flows, sources of funds, and how the money was spent.
Many of the groups involved have condemned the inquiry, calling it an attack on their work and free speech. “This is based on hearsay—an unfounded allegation with no proven evidence from Nigerian security or financial agencies,” said Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, head of Transparency International in Nigeria. “The National Assembly should not pursue this without credible evidence.”
Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, also under investigation, described the probe as a “blatant attempt to intimidate the non-profit sector.”
However, House of Representatives spokesperson Akin Rotimi defended the investigation, saying it was not intended to harass organizations but to address “serious” allegations raised by the U.S. Congressman. “The goal is to understand how these funds have been managed over the years and determine if any lapses occurred,” he told Reuters.
In Nigeria, parliamentary committees have the authority to investigate any matter of national concern, and their findings, if approved by the majority of lawmakers, could lead to legal action, including the arrest or prosecution of organizations or individuals involved.