David Hundeyin argues that US foreign aid, particularly from USAID, is a strategic tool for US control over African governments, likening it to drug dependency. He claims that cutting aid, while not Donald Trump’s intent, benefits Africa by forcing self-reliance. He challenges why essential funding depends on foreign donors. Dr Bolu Onabolu disagrees.
This view by David Hundeyin, which many are echoing, misses some critical points.
- Claiming that America provides aid solely because it wants something in return neglects the truth. The reality is that aid makes a difference to the most vulnerable people—the poor, the socioeconomically disadvantaged—who cannot mitigate the effects of poor governance.
- Others argue that Nigeria is rich enough and should not rely on aid. While it is true that Nigeria is wealthy and should not depend on aid or even World Bank loans, saying that abruptly stopping aid is acceptable reflects a typical middle-class, insular mindset. Was the aid meant for you? No! Aid from the UN, Britain, and America goes to the millions in Nigeria who cannot afford even a sachet of pure water daily. Unlike the comfortably insular middle class, they cannot mitigate poor governance by simply buying a water dispenser and refilling it with Cway, an expense that many take for granted.
- Many forget that foreign aid helps build systems and capacity—for example, strengthening health infrastructure such as cold chains to ensure vaccines remain potent, and fostering transparent procurement systems that improve government accountability, at least for the funds managed under these programmes.
- It is like saying, “Your parents are rich, yet you and your siblings are living in the gutter, so I won’t help you get out of the gutter. Why should I?” It assumes that the government—the political class—will suddenly step up and do what is necessary. But the very reason aid exists is that they are not doing so.
- It overlooks the fact that aid is also a strategy to encourage people to remain in their own countries. It provides ladders for people to escape extreme poverty and become more self-sufficient.
David Hundeyin Critics like Hundeyin forget that aid also promotes good governance, creates an enabling environment, and helps build essential systems.
- They fail to acknowledge that Nigerians also work in these aid organisations. Why applaud the potential loss of jobs? These professionals are not receiving handouts; they work hard, enduring terrible hours, travelling to remote and often dangerous locations, and facing the desperation and hopelessness of millions.
- Because of foreign aid, people ask, “What can we do to help?” It enables action.
9. I am a strong advocate for domestic resource mobilisation. Nigeria should not be dependent on foreign aid. However, I am also fully aware that cutting aid will not force the political class to prioritise the poor and vulnerable in our society.
10. Abruptly stopping aid—even for three months—is just another sign that Trump and his supporters have no understanding or compassion for those at the receiving end of these programmes.
11. Is the aid environment perfect? Not at all. A significant proportion—often around 60%—flows back to donor countries through their firms and consultants who provide tied services. Our government needs to step up, but cutting aid will not make them do so. Unless you are ready to immediately replace the aid with your own money, do not applaud leaving millions to suffer—just because their own government has failed them.
Dr. Boluwaji Onabolu
President and Convener, Network of Female Professionals in WASH in Nigeria
Convener, Mothers United and Mobilised
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