The FBI has approached Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for assistance in investigating the management of funds allocated to US-backed health programmes in the country.
The inquiry is expected to examine organisations that implemented programmes funded through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), particularly initiatives addressing HIV and tuberculosis.
The development emerged following discussions between representatives of the FBI and EFCC in Lagos.
The engagement forms part of efforts by both countries to improve cooperation on cases involving suspected financial irregularities and international funding.
FBI Seeks Details on Fund Management
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the request was presented by FBI Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché Marcus Maccain during a meeting with the commission’s Acting Zonal Director in Lagos.
Maccain said the proposed cooperation would help investigators examine the financial activities of organisations involved in US-funded programmes.
He indicated that investigators were particularly interested in funds that had been released before the termination of some USAID-supported projects.
The FBI wants to establish what happened to funds that remained with implementing organisations after those programmes ended.
Investigation to Cover Implementing Groups
The investigation is expected to examine the financial management practices of organisations and groups that received money under the affected programmes.
The FBI said closer engagement with the EFCC would help authorities determine whether the handling of the funds involved any financial violations.
“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 planned cooperation could see US and Nigerian authorities exchange relevant information as they work to establish the facts surrounding the funds.
For now, the matter involves allegations and an investigation. No conclusion of wrongdoing should be drawn against any organisation or individual unless established through the appropriate investigative and legal processes.
