The House of Representatives on Monday launched an investigative hearing in Abuja regarding the management of over $4.6 billion in grants that Nigeria received from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development between 2021 and 2025.

These significant funds were allocated to support Nigeria’s efforts in combating HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, alongside strengthening the nation’s overall health systems. Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, formally declared the hearing open.

Call for Accountability and Domestic Ownership

Hon. Amobi Ogah, the Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, stated that the primary objective of the probe is to ensure full accountability for every dollar and naira spent.

He emphasized the need for greater local control over these resources, noting: “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 pointed out the persistent heavy burden of HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria despite the billions already spent on infectious disease control.

He confirmed that the committee plans to work in close coordination with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to guarantee complete accountability from all implementing partners and grant recipients.

New Oversight Measures and Health Restructuring

To establish stricter controls, the committee announced plans to mandate that all implementing partners submit their project plans to the National Assembly for review before the disbursement of any future grants.

Ogah firmly declared: “The era of spending Nigeria’s money without approval and accountability is over.”

Furthermore, he revealed a proposal to restructure the National Agency for the Control of AIDS into the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, aiming to strengthen oversight across the three major infectious diseases.

The hearing saw participation from key stakeholders, including the Coordinating Minister for Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Director-General of NACA, representatives from the Global Fund, USAID, civil society organizations, and anti-graft agencies, all focused on enhancing transparency and domestic ownership of Nigeria’s health initiatives.

Minister Welcomes Probe as Donor Support Declines

Minister Pate welcomed the investigation, using the opportunity to urge Nigeria to gradually take on greater financial responsibility for its health priorities as donor support inevitably decreases.

While acknowledging that foreign assistance has been instrumental in saving millions of lives, he highlighted a critical deficit: domestic health spending currently remains below the Abuja Declaration target of 15%, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable local funding.

Speaker Abbas described the investigation as a tangible demonstration of the National Assembly’s commitment to transparency in health funding, promising an evidence-based report on how the grants have been utilized and their impact on public health.