Nigeria: 2 international aid groups can resume work

By Olarewaju Kola

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) - Two aid groups suspended in Nigeria last month due to alleged aid to terrorists are now free to resume operations, said officials on late Wednesday.

"The suspension of the two international humanitarian organisations --Mercy Corps and Action Against Hunger -- is temporarily lifted," announced Sadiya Umar Farouk, minister for humanitarian affairs and disaster management.

She said the government lifted the suspension on the recommendation of a government board of inquiry that looked into their activities.

She said the board recommended regular scrutiny of the activities of most international groups.

Edward Kallon, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, praised the development, saying: "I am confident this effort will strengthen our relationship and partnership with the Nigerian government and military."

The two aid groups were banned and their offices in many northern states closed in September over allegations of providing logistics, foods, and medication to the terror group Boko Haram in the country’s northeast. Both groups have denied the allegation.

Nigeria is working to end over a decade of violence in the volatile region by the group, which has pledged allegiance to Daesh.