The House of Representatives has begun investigating the utilisation of over $4.6 billion in grants from the Global Fund and USAID allocated to Nigeria between 2021 and 2025 for the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
At the hearing organised by the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, urged Nigeria to reduce its dependence on foreign aid and take greater responsibility for funding its health priorities.
He described the probe as a welcome step towards transparency and sustainability, warning that the country’s health spending remains below the 15% Abuja Declaration target, threatening progress against major diseases.
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Declaring the session open, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen said the investigation reflects the parliament’s commitment to transparency and evidence-based oversight of donor funds.
The Committee Chairman, Mr Amobi Ogah, said the panel will partner with the EFCC and ICPC to ensure proper utilisation of the grants.
“Whether state or non state actors must indeed account for every Nigerian kobo, and I mean every kobo spent for the response against public health threats, ” he stated.
Ogah lamented that despite huge donor support, Nigerians still face the burden of HIV, TB and malaria, while some implementing partners lack verifiable office addresses.
Pate reaffirmed that stronger domestic investment and accountability are essential to building a sustainable health system.
