The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is to partner with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged mismanagement and diversion of funds released for US-backed health programmes in Nigeria.

The investigation will cover organisations and groups that received funding under programmes supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), particularly projects focused on HIV and tuberculosis interventions.

The FBI made the request during a meeting with the EFCC in Lagos as both agencies seek to strengthen cooperation on financial crimes involving international funds.

According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the request was presented by the FBI’s Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché, Macus Maccain, during his visit to the EFCC Acting Zonal Director in Lagos.

Maccain said the engagement was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two agencies and supporting investigations into alleged financial irregularities involving organisations that implemented US-funded programmes in Nigeria.

He said the investigation would particularly examine funds released before the termination of some USAID-supported programmes and how the implementing organisations managed money that remained in their possession after the programmes ended.

“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.