USAID Funding Freeze: Tinubu Lauded Over N700bn Provision in 2025 Budget

• Alhaji Ugonoh praised President Tinubu for allocating N700 billion in the 2025 budget to replace USAID’s terminated health support in Nigeria

• Ugonoh emphasized that Nigeria has capable intellectuals and commended Tinubu’s proactive leadership, urging agencies to effectively fill gaps left by USAID

Former Adviser to Speaker Aminu Tambuwal on Diaspora Affairs and U.S.-based businessman, Alhaji Saidu Ugonoh, has praised President Bola Tinubu for his proactive steps in allocating sufficient funds to counter the impact of the USAID funding freeze on Nigeria.

In the N54.99 trillion budget passed by the National Assembly, President Tinubu allocated N700 billion to replace the terminated health support previously provided by USAID, following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Alhaji Ugonoh, in a statement, described the president’s decision as a sign of strong leadership, prepared to tackle challenges head-on in the interest of Nigerians.

“Rather than lamenting, the president has taken decisive action,” he said.

He emphasized that Nigeria has capable intellectuals who only need dynamic leadership to harness their potential for national growth.

“President Tinubu didn’t wait or complain. He took immediate action because he understands his responsibility to Nigerians. His duty is to secure and protect the country at all times.”

He added that Nigeria must take bold steps in times of uncertainty as Africa’s most populous nation and leader of ECOWAS. The former adviser noted that while past aid from the U.S. had been beneficial, the American government reserves the right to withdraw it. Thus, he commended Tinubu for his ingenuity and foresight.

He called on the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies to ensure Nigeria effectively fills the gap left by the withdrawal of American support.

“I also commend the National Assembly for its legislative backing and urge Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu administration,” he stated.

Acknowledging the country’s longstanding challenges, Ugonoh urged Nigerians to remain patient as the current administration works toward national recovery.