*Reps launch investigation into management of over $4.6bn health sector grants
*Says grants were received by Nigeria from Global Fund, USAID between 2021 and 2025
*Health Minister, others under pressure, as Reps insists all grants must be made known to parliament
*Insists that move was for proper monitoring to ensure that beneficiaries get the best out it
By Aaron Ossai
Amidst alleged malfeasance in the health sector, the House of Representatives commenced investigation into the management of over $4.6 billion grants received by Nigeria from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development, USAID between 2021 and 2025.
According to the Chairman, House Committee on Infectious Disease, Hon. Amobi Ogar, the investigation seeks to determine how $2.8 billion from the Global Fund and $1.8 billion from USAID, both aimed at combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as strengthening Nigeria’s health systems, were utilised.
Hon. Amobi who spoke at the inauguration of the investigative hearing said the probe was necessary to promote transparency and ensure that international aid targeting Nigeria’s health challenges delivers tangible results.
“Nigeria continues to grapple with the burden of HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and other infectious diseases, saying, despite substantial financial commitments, the expected relief for our people is yet to be realised.”
Speaking further, Hon. Ogah commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for expanding the committee’s mandate and renaming it the Committee on Infectious Diseases to reflect broader public health oversight.
He said the exercise was designed to scrutinise how these funds were applied, noting that about 90 per cent of Nigeria’s disease-control programs are financed by foreign partners and emphasised that Nigeria must take ownership of donor-funded projects to ensure alignment with national health priorities.
“The era of Nigeria being a passive beneficiary is over. Any assistance that sidelines our institutions will no longer be tolerated. If such aid does not align with our national strategy, we can choose to forgo it,” he added.
The federal lawmaker therefore directed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Country Coordinating Mechanism to submit operational blueprints for all implementing agencies before accessing future donor funds.
Efforts by Health Officials to explain that less than 10% of foreign health aids and grants come in cash, with the made up drugs, technical support and vehicles did not stop the insistence of Hon. Ogah is advocating for proper oversight on the way the grants are disbursed and expended.
Health and Social Welfare Minister, Prof. Ali Pate reaffirmed transparency and accountability in the utilization of Health Grants and aids, even way back to the Obasanjo era.
He however expressed displeasure at the inability of Nigeria in meeting up her 15% counterpart payment of the Grant and Aid Fund over the years and implored the House to effect proper appropriation for it.
Prof. Pate noted that despite the positive contribution of the funds to the overall Health Sector Development in the country, it is a pity that in recent times, it has dwindled drastically and added that efforts are at an advanced stage to exit Nigeria from her dependence on foreign Grants for health purposes.
Earlier, while declaring the hearing open on behalf of the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to transparency and sound governance.
“The outcome of this investigation will provide an evidence-based report detailing how the grants were obtained, disbursed, and applied. It will strengthen accountability and governance structures in Nigeria’s health system,” he added.
