We May Be Poor, But We Won’t Beg – Nigerian Minister Declares Amid USAID Exit
Date: February 15, 2025
By: NIGPOST Staff
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, has made a bold declaration, stating that despite financial challenges, the country will not beg for external assistance.
His statement comes in the wake of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) exiting Nigeria, a move that has sparked global discussions.
Elon Musk, U.S. Congressman Criticize USAID
The controversy surrounding USAID intensified after Elon Musk, the billionaire tech mogul now leading President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), accused the agency of corruption.
Musk went as far as labeling USAID as a “criminal organization” and a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists who hate America.”
Adding to the storm, Scott Perry, a U.S. Congressman from Pennsylvania, alleged that USAID has been involved in funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.
Speaking during a congressional hearing titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” Perry revealed that USAID allocated $136 million for building 120 schools in Pakistan, raising concerns about the agency’s spending.
Nigeria’s Stand: “We Will Live Within Our Means”
Addressing these developments in an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Minister Ali Pate made it clear that Nigeria has no plans to depend on foreign aid.
“We may be a poor country, but we are a capable country. We are determined to own up to our responsibilities. If others support us, we appreciate it, but we are not begging for it. We will live within what we have.”
The minister’s statement reflects Nigeria’s growing push for self-reliance in healthcare and social welfare, despite economic hurdles.
What’s Next for Nigeria?
With USAID’s exit and the allegations against the agency making headlines, Nigeria faces the challenge of maintaining healthcare and social welfare programs without external funding. However, the government insists it is committed to finding sustainable solutions.
Stay updated with the latest news on NIGPOST. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Leave a Reply