By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives Committee on Infectious Diseases
has intensified its investigation into the utilisation of over $4.6 billion in international health grants, as agencies involved in the implementation of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria programmes confirmed receipt of the funds.
Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, Rt. Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, disclosed this at the resumed investigative hearing held at the National Assembly, Abuja.
The probe focuses on grants totalling $1.8 billion and $2.8 billion received from the Global Fund and USAID between 2021 and 2025 for disease control and strengthening Nigeria’s health systems.
Ogah said the investigation was not a witch-hunt but aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and effective utilisation of donor funds.
“This exercise is not borne out of vendetta but the need to put Nigerians at the centre of our public health priorities and restore confidence among our international partners,” he said.
He noted that while donor agencies and implementing partners had made significant contributions to combating infectious diseases, there were concerns about gaps in impact and service delivery.
The lawmaker revealed that most of the agencies invited to the hearing confirmed receiving the funds under review, raising the stakes for deeper scrutiny into how the resources were deployed.
“You will recall that the House mandated this Committee to investigate the matter. So far, agencies have attested to receiving these funds, and it is our duty to ensure that such resources are judiciously utilised for the benefit of Nigerians,” Ogah added.
He announced that going forward, the National Assembly would require all principal recipients and implementing partners of Global Fund grants to submit their implementation plans for legislative approval, alongside quarterly performance reports.
According to him, this measure is part of efforts to strengthen oversight and eliminate duplication in the health sector.
Ogah warned that Nigeria might miss its 2030 targets for eliminating major public health threats if urgent steps were not taken to improve efficiency and coordination.
“We are at a critical turning point.
The goal of eliminating these diseases by 2030 may no longer be feasible, but we must not relent. We must ensure every resource is maximised,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners and non-state actors to enhance value for money and improve health outcomes.
The Committee, he added, would continue to provide legislative backing to ensure full implementation of programmes targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other infectious diseases.
The hearing is expected to continue with further submissions from key stakeholders and implementing agencies.
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