Nigeria may soon face disruptions to key developmental programs following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend all foreign assistance for 90 days.
Trump, on his first day of office, predictably signed an executive order halting U.S. foreign aid programs pending a review to ensure they align with his administration’s policy priorities.
“It is the policy of the United States that no further U.S. foreign assistance shall be disbursed in a manner that is not fully aligned with the foreign policy of the President of the United States,” the executive order states.
The immediate financial impact remains unclear, as many programs have already received congressional approval and obligated funds. However, the suspension could affect disaster relief, healthcare, and pro-democracy initiatives in numerous countries, including Nigeria.
Trump’s executive order criticizes the “foreign aid industry and bureaucracy,” claiming it often destabilizes global peace by promoting ideas contrary to harmonious international relations. The order emphasizes that no aid will be distributed unless it serves American foreign policy interests.
The suspension of U.S. foreign aid raises significant concerns about the future of critical development programs in Nigeria. American assistance has played a vital role in sectors such as health, agriculture, and security. In 2023 alone, Nigeria received $1 billion in U.S. aid, making it the eighth-largest recipient globally. This suspension could result in severe funding cuts, potentially derailing ongoing projects, particularly those managed by U.S.-funded non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The halt will impact over 20 U.S. agencies, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR has been instrumental in combating HIV/AIDS in Nigeria by providing life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and supporting healthcare infrastructure.
The withdrawal of aid will most likely disrupt the supply of ARV drugs and this could lead to treatment lapses, risking drug resistance and severe health complications. Essential services like HIV testing, mother-to-child transmission prevention, and educational campaigns may also be halted, increasing the likelihood of undiagnosed infections and a surge in new cases. The already strained Nigerian healthcare system may struggle to address the resulting gaps, leading to higher mortality rates.
Beyond health outcomes, the halt could have far-reaching social and economic impacts, burdening families with medical costs and reducing productivity due to illness or death.
However, some of the largest recipients of U.S. assistance, including Israel ($3.3 billion annually), Egypt ($1.5 billion annually), and Jordan ($1.7 billion annually), are unlikely to face cuts. These allocations are part of long-term aid packages, some of which are tied to treaty obligations and have been in place for decades.
This is not a surprise as the move aligns with a broader Republican administration’s target to slash or cut funding for U.N. agencies and international programs. During his first term, President Trump reduced payments to several U.N. agencies, including the U.N. Population Fund and various peacekeeping and refugee programs. He also suspended funding to the Palestinian Authority after an earlier withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the organization of demanding “unfairly onerous payments” from the U.S., disproportionately higher than contributions from other countries, particularly China.
The U.S., WHO’s largest donor, contributed $1.284 billion during the 2022–2023 biennium, accounting for 15% of its total budget. This withdrawal of funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) will have implications for Nigeria, a country that heavily relies on WHO-supported programs to address its critical health challenges. These funds have been instrumental in supporting global health initiatives, including combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria—three of the most significant health threats in Nigeria. The withdrawal of funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) will have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria, which heavily depends on WHO-supported programs to tackle critical health challenges. This funding has been instrumental in addressing major health threats, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, which collectively affect millions of Nigerians annually.
Nigeria is home to approximately 2 million people living with HIV, and WHO has been pivotal in supporting testing, treatment, and prevention programs. A reduction in funding risks disrupting access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), potentially increasing mortality rates, transmission rates, and drug resistance among vulnerable populations.
Similarly, Nigeria ranks among the top 10 countries globally with the highest TB burden, reporting approximately 452,000 new cases each year. WHO funding has facilitated early detection, treatment, and public health campaigns, yet only 24% of TB cases are currently detected and treated. A funding gap could worsen these outcomes, leaving hundreds of thousands untreated and accelerating the spread of the disease.
Malaria, which disproportionately affects Nigeria, remains another critical area of concern. Accounting for 27% of global cases and 32% of deaths, the country relies on WHO initiatives to distribute insecticide-treated nets, provide diagnostic tools, and promote public awareness. Without adequate funding, these efforts may falter, leading to a rise in cases and deaths.
Nigeria accounts for 27% of global malaria cases, making it the country with the world’s highest malaria burden. According to the WHO’s 2022 World Malaria Report, Nigeria recorded over 60 million cases annually, and the disease remains a leading cause of mortality for children under the age of five. WHO-backed initiatives such as distributing insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying campaigns, and improved diagnostics have significantly reduced malaria prevalence. However, with the withdrawal of U.S. funding, these efforts may be scaled back, potentially resulting in a resurgence of cases and deaths.
Nigeria has 1.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS, the WHO, alongside U.S.-supported programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has provided free life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) to over 1.8 million Nigerians annually. WHO also funds prevention programs, including initiatives aimed at reducing mother-to-child transmission rates. A sudden cut in funding will strain Nigeria’s already limited health budget, possibly leaving many patients without access to critical medication and services.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains another significant challenge, with Nigeria ranking among the top 10 countries with the highest TB burden globally. WHO data shows that the country records approximately 452,000 new TB cases annually. The organization has provided financial and technical support for active case detection, treatment of drug-resistant TB, and strengthening laboratory services. Reduced funding could undermine these programs, leading to increased transmission rates and untreated cases.
Beyond the control of these diseases, WHO funding supports Nigeria’s broader health infrastructure, including vaccination campaigns, maternal and child health programs, and emergency responses to disease outbreaks like Lassa fever and cholera. For instance, WHO has been a critical partner in Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts, which led to the country being declared polio-free in 2020. Without adequate funding, Nigeria risks losing these hard-won gains.
Previously, Trump also pulled the U.S. out of the U.N. Human Rights Council and terminated funding for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), further reducing U.S. financial commitments to international organizations.
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