Report Shows How Much US Has Sent to Nigeria as Foreign Aid Over the Last 10 Years, Amount Announced
- The U.S. has provided $7.8 billion in foreign aid to Nigeria over the past decade, focusing on health, security, and economic growth
- A significant portion of aid has gone toward combating infectious diseases through initiatives like PEPFAR, which has provided life-saving support to Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS
- U.S. foreign aid has also supported Nigeria’s security efforts, including counterterrorism programs and military training, as well as economic development through agricultural support for farmers
In a recent release, the United States disclosed the total amount of foreign aid it has sent to Nigeria over the past decade, with the total standing at a significant $7.8 billion.
The U.S. government’s assistance has focused on various critical sectors, aiming to tackle Nigeria’s pressing health, security, and economic growth issues.
Source: Getty Images
A major portion of the foreign aid has been directed toward improving public health, especially in combating infectious diseases.
Through initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. has provided life-saving support, including antiretroviral treatment for millions of Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS, Business Insider Africa reported.
Security support: Counterterrorism and military training
With the rise of insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, U.S. foreign aid has also focused heavily on security assistance.
Military training, intelligence-sharing, and counterterrorism programs, such as the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP), have helped strengthen Nigeria's ability to address the security challenges posed by extremist groups.
Economic Growth: Strengthening Agriculture and Business
In addition to health and security, the U.S. has invested in Nigeria’s economic development. Agricultural development programs have provided Nigerian farmers with training, better farming techniques, and access to financial assistance.
These efforts aim to boost productivity and improve livelihoods, particularly in rural communities where agriculture remains the mainstay of the economy, Business Day reported.
The Breakdown of US aids to Nigeria
Over the last ten years, U.S. foreign aid to Nigeria has seen fluctuations, with the largest annual disbursement occurring in 2023 at $1 billion. Here's a breakdown of the yearly disbursements:
- 2015: $446 million
- 2016: $543 million
- 2017: $643 million
- 2018: $877 million
- 2019: $761 million
- 2020: $880 million
- 2021: $922 million
- 2022: $974 million
- 2023: $1 billion
- 2024: $783 million
Reacting to this development in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, former Director of Trade, Investment, and Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, on Saturday, February 8, emphasized the significance of U.S. foreign aid while highlighting the need for Nigeria to reduce its reliance on external assistance.
He stated:
“The $7.8 billion in U.S. foreign aid over the past decade has undoubtedly supported critical sectors such as health, security, and economic development.
"However, Nigeria must focus on strengthening its institutions, improving transparency, and fostering self-sufficiency to ensure that these funds translate into lasting development.”
Expert urges Nigeria to strengthen self-sufficiency
Ambassador Akinkuolie further noted that while initiatives like PEPFAR and counterterrorism assistance have been instrumental, the Nigerian government must prioritize policies that enhance local capacity, drive economic diversification, and attract sustainable investments.
"Additionally, long-term economic sustainability requires reducing dependency on external support by fostering local investment, enhancing public-private partnerships, and improving revenue generation mechanisms.
"Moving forward, Nigeria must take ownership of its development agenda, ensuring that international aid serves as a catalyst for sustainable progress rather than a perpetual lifeline," he said.
5 African countries receiving most US foreign aid in 2024
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Sub-Saharan Africa remains a significant recipient of US foreign aid, benefiting from various initiatives aimed at addressing health, food security, energy access, and economic development.
According to Foreign Assistance, below are the top five African countries receiving the most US foreign aid (figures from FY2024):
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Source: Legit.ng
