GISTSMATE MEDIA reports that the House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the handling of more than $4.6 billion in health grants received by Nigeria between 2021 and 2025.
The funds, provided by the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), were meant to tackle HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, as well as strengthen Nigeria’s public health systems.
The probe began on Monday during an investigative hearing held in Abuja. Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by his deputy chief whip, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, declared the session open.
Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, Hon. Amobi Ogah, said the inquiry was necessary to ensure transparency and proper use of every grant dollar and naira.
“We cannot continue to receive grants that limit Nigeria’s control over their management. Any assistance given must allow Nigeria to manage these funds,” Ogah stated.
He explained that despite years of funding from international partners, Nigeria still records high cases of HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria.
According to him, the committee will work with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to trace how the funds were utilized and identify any misuse by implementing partners.
The lawmakers also plan to make it mandatory for all implementing agencies and partners to submit detailed project plans to the National Assembly before future grant disbursements.
“The era of spending Nigeria’s money without approval and accountability is over,” Ogah declared.
He further disclosed that the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) will be restructured under a new agency — the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (NACATAM) — to enhance coordination and oversight of the three major diseases.
The hearing had in attendance the Coordinating Minister for Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Director-General of NACA, representatives of the Global Fund, USAID, civil society groups, and officials from anti-graft agencies.
Prof. Pate welcomed the move by the House, noting that Nigeria must begin to take greater responsibility for financing its health priorities as donor aid continues to decline.
He stressed that while international support has saved many lives, domestic funding for health still falls short of the Abuja Declaration target of 15%.
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