Reps Probe $4.6bn Health Grants

The House of Representatives has resumed its investigative hearing into over $4.6 billion in grants received by Nigeria from international donors between 2021 and 2025 for the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with lawmakers demanding greater transparency and accountability in the use of the funds.

Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, Amobi Godwin Ogah, who presided over the session in Abuja on Wednesday, said the probe was aimed at ensuring that donor funds are judiciously utilised and to restore confidence among international partners.

The grants, amounting to over $1.8 billion from the Global Fund and $2.8 billion from USAID, were earmarked for combating infectious diseases and strengthening Nigeria’s health system.

Ogah stressed that the exercise was not targeted at any individual or organisation but driven by the need to place Nigerians at the centre of public health interventions.

“This is not a witch-hunt or vendetta. It is borne out of the desire to ensure transparency, accountability, and that whatever grants we receive are properly utilised,” he said.

He noted that the House had, in October 2025, mandated the committee to investigate the funds, adding that the hearing resumed after earlier sittings were delayed by public holidays.

The lawmaker commended development partners for supporting Nigeria’s health sector but insisted that stronger oversight mechanisms must be put in place going forward.

According to him, the National Assembly would henceforth require all principal recipients and implementing partners of donor funds to submit their implementation plans for legislative approval.

He added that quarterly reports detailing activities and fund utilisation would also be mandatory.

“We expect quarterly reports from all recipients and sub-recipients, as well as key implementing partners, to ensure proper monitoring and accountability,” he said.

Ogah further warned that Nigeria must improve coordination among government agencies and non-state actors to eliminate duplication and ensure efficient allocation of resources.

He expressed concern that the country might miss its 2030 target of eliminating major public health threats but urged stakeholders not to relent.

“We are at a decisive turning point. While the 2030 target may be challenging, we must roll up our sleeves and maximise available resources,” he added.

The hearing had in attendance key stakeholders, including officials from the health ministry, the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism, and implementing partners involved in managing the grants.

The ongoing probe is expected to examine how the funds were disbursed, utilised, and monitored, amid growing concerns over accountability in donor-supported health programmes in Nigeria.(Daily trust)