U.S. set to investigate past aid allocations to Nigeria

• The investigation aims to determine the utilization of past aids in these countries.

• This investigation aims to ensure accountability, comprehensive monitoring, and evaluation systems are in place to verify that U.S. assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries.

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria has declared that the government will initiate an inquiry into the previous aid distributed to Nigeria and other nations.

This inquiry aims to determine the utilization of such aid in these countries.

Furthermore, the investigation will guarantee accountability and the establishment of thorough monitoring and evaluation systems to confirm that U.S. assistance is delivered to its intended recipients.

The announcement posted on the U.S. Mission’s page states:

“Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to help verify that U.S. assistance reaches intended recipients. The United States condemns the violence and blatant disregard for human life perpetrated by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria and the region.”

“The Secretary of State designated Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organization on November 14, 2013, to block the organization’s assets and fundraising efforts, prosecute individual members, and restrict their travel to the United States.  The United States continues to work with Nigeria and regional partners to counter-terrorism.

In other news, Nigerian artist Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, has been recognized by Spotify as the leading artist on its Global Impact List for 2025.

The announcement was made by Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, in a statement on Tuesday.

Okumu showcased Ayra Starr’s influence on Spotify’s Global Impact List, where she tops 30 Nigerian tracks and connects with listeners worldwide.

The top 10 includes Ayra Starr, Rauw Alejandro, and Rvssian’s “Santa”; Tems’s “Love MeJeJe”; and Burna Boy, Coldplay, Elyanna, Little Simz, and TINI’s “WE PRAY,” plus more.

Other songs included are “Last Heartbreak Song” by Ayra Starr and Giveon, “Justlike Me” by 21Savage, Burna Boy, and Metro Boomin, and “No. 1” by Tems and Tyla, among others.

Okumu pointed out how Nigerian artists are pushing limits, stating that Spotify is happy to support their worldwide presence.

She pointed out that Nigerian music has reached a global audience, with Ayra Starr leading Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List.

This list features 30 Nigerian songs that have strong ties to the international scene this year, demonstrating Nigeria’s expanding global presence.

Okumu called Ayra Starr a major talent, influencing the global music scene with her worldwide success.

Her music leads the charts in Nigeria and has become popular anthems that people all over the globe relate to.

According to Okumu, Ayra Starr, who is part of Spotify RADAR and EQUAL, was Nigeria’s top female artist in streams for 2024.

While just two of her songs, “Last Heartbreak Song” and “Bad Vibes,” appear on the Global Impact List, her work with others, like the track “Santa,” shows her extensive reach.

The collaboration on “Santa” with Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro proves Ayra’s skill in connecting with various audiences.

Ayra Starr’s six entries on the list, like “Commas,” “GOOD FEELiNGS,” and “Hypé,” showcase her talent and appeal around the world.

Her album, The Year I Turned 21, made it to the top 10 most-streamed albums of the year, proving her global impact.

Okumu stressed that collaboration is vital for increasing the global presence of Nigerian music, pointing out that 22 out of 30 songs are collaborations.

She stated that teaming up is important for Nigerian artists looking for worldwide success, with 19 songs that include artists from different countries.

 Songs such as “Santa,” “WE PRAY (TINI Version),” and “Another Vibe” illustrate the impact of these cross-border collaborations.