USAID Shutdown Triggers Crisis in Nigeria: Health Programs at Risk, Thousands Face Job Losses
Lagos, Nigeria – The recent decision by the U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, to halt funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for a period of 90 days has triggered a crisis in Nigeria. The move threatens critical health interventions and economic development initiatives, leaving thousands of jobs in jeopardy and disrupting essential programs that millions of Nigerians depend on.
Impact on Key Sectors
Health Sector at Risk
USAID has been a key player in Nigeria’s healthcare system, funding programs to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as maternal and child health initiatives. In 2024 alone, USAID allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to Nigeria’s health sector. According to PEPFAR’s 2024 data, the freeze puts at risk the daily supply of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for 222,333 HIV-positive Nigerians who rely on them.
Potential Job Losses
A senior official from one of USAID’s partner organizations estimates that over 1,000 direct jobs in Nigeria could be lost if the funding suspension continues. Many employees have already been advised to take unpaid leave, while some organizations have ceased operations altogether.
Broader Development Impact
Beyond healthcare, USAID funds projects in education, agriculture, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), humanitarian aid, and democratic governance. Experts estimate that 30% of Nigerians directly benefit from USAID-funded initiatives, and many more are indirectly impacted by these programs.
Malaria Treatment Disruption
Nigeria’s battle against malaria is also under threat. In 2024, USAID pledged $2.3 million for the procurement of 4.8 million doses of malaria treatment from Swiss Pharma. With the funding cut, experts warn that malaria-related deaths could rise significantly.
Nigeria’s Response and Concerns
Multi-Ministerial Committee
The Nigerian government has established a multi-ministerial committee to develop a transition and sustainability plan for USAID-funded health programs. This committee is tasked with securing alternative financial support to ensure continuity in treating critical diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Government Measures
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a $1.07 billion healthcare reform plan and allocated ₦4.8 billion for HIV treatment to mitigate the impact of the funding cut. However, experts warn that these measures may not fully bridge the gap left by USAID’s withdrawal.
Call for Self-Reliance
Development experts and policy analysts are urging the Nigerian government to diversify its funding sources, strengthen domestic healthcare investments, and reduce reliance on foreign aid.
Voices from the Ground
A senior official from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the USAID shutdown as a “massive humanitarian setback”, emphasizing its impact on programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which provides life-saving ARV drugs to thousands of Nigerians.
Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), warned that the funding halt could lead to a collapse of essential healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Public affairs analyst Alieu Ceesay highlighted the broader implications of USAID’s exit, stating that it could negatively affect economic development, food security, and governance across Africa, beyond just Nigeria.
Background
USAID has been actively engaged in Nigeria since 1960, implementing programs aimed at addressing critical development challenges and promoting sustainable growth. In 2023, USAID disbursed more than $40 billion globally, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service. However, as of February 7, 2025, all USAID direct-hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave worldwide, except for essential staff, further escalating concerns about the future of U.S.-Nigeria development cooperation.
