By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The House of Representatives Committee on Infectious Diseases has launched an investigation into $4.6bn in donor funds spent between 2021 and 2025 in Abuja, aiming to enforce transparency and accountability through oversight visits and mandatory financial disclosures.
Committee Intensifies Probe Into Donor Funds
The committee is probing funds used for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria programmes.
Lawmakers say the investigation will address duplication of roles among implementing partners. They also aim to ensure value for money in all projects.
Lawmakers Demand Accountability From Implementing Partners
Chairman Amobi Ogah led the oversight visit to major organisations. These include the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Family Health International, and Catholic Relief Services.
Ogah praised their efforts but warned that stricter monitoring will now apply.
“It is imperative that every mobilised resource must be judiciously spent and properly accounted for,” he said.
He added that all recipients must now submit implementation plans to the National Assembly for approval.
Institute of Human Virology Highlights Funding Impact
Chief Executive Officer Patrick Dakum described the visit as timely and necessary. He joined the session virtually.
He said lawmakers now better understand successes in HIV, TB, and malaria interventions.
Dakum also urged support for vulnerable children through policy and funding relief.
A presentation by Adetiba Temitope showed the institute received $359.4m between 2021 and 2026. An additional $170.96m is expected.
However, Temitope explained that the Global Fund handles most procurement through approved vendors.
Catholic Relief Services Reaffirms Transparency Commitment
Country Representative Akim Kikonda stressed the organisation’s commitment to accountability.
He said transparency remains central to their mission.
Kikonda added that the organisation welcomes collaboration with lawmakers.
Catholic Relief Services disclosed it received $74.784m within the review period.
Family Health International Calls for Stronger Collaboration
Victor Ogbodo, Country Representative of Family Health International, emphasised stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
He said the visit highlights the need for better partnerships in Nigeria’s health sector.
The organisation received $290.44m between January 2021 and December 2023. It disbursed $223.99m before programme completion.
New Oversight Measures Introduced
The committee directed all organisations to submit detailed financial records. These include bank statements and procurement documents.
Additionally, implementing partners must provide quarterly activity reports.
Lawmakers say this will ensure strict compliance with accountability standards.
Nigeria’s Heavy Reliance on Donor Support
Nigeria remains one of the largest beneficiaries of Global Fund support globally. Billions of dollars have supported disease control efforts.
However, the country still faces major health challenges. It has the world’s second-largest HIV burden.
Malaria also remains a leading cause of death among children under five.
