Reps launch probe into $4.6bn health grants from Global Fund, USAID

The House of Representatives has launched an investigative hearing into the management of over $4.6 billion in grants received by Nigeria from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) between 2021 and 2025.

The funds were allocated to combat HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (ATM) and to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems.

Declaring the session open in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, Mr. Amobi Ogah, said the probe was necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of donor funds aimed at tackling infectious diseases in the country.

“Nigeria continues to be battered by the burden of HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and other infectious diseases. While budgetary allocations and donor funds have been mobilized to fight these challenges, there is little reprieve in sight as Nigerians are still ravaged daily,” Ogah stated.

He explained that about 90 percent of Nigeria’s intervention funds for these diseases come from international partners, making it imperative for the country to take greater ownership in managing such resources.

“Any grant or assistance given to us without our involvement in its management is unacceptable. Nigeria must assert its capacity to take charge of its affairs, especially in the response to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria,” he added.

Ogah directed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) to ensure that all principal recipients and implementing partners submit their implementation plans to the National Assembly for approval before releasing funds.

Speaking at the hearing, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, welcomed the probe, describing it as an important step toward transparency, accountability, and local ownership of health programmes.

He noted that while donor support from Global Fund and USAID had saved millions of lives, Nigeria’s health expenditure still remain below 15 percent of national spending, and warned that continued underfunding would threaten the sustainability of health programmes.

Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Mr. Ibrahim Isiaka, said the investigation underscores the parliament’s commitment to ensuring that all donor and public funds in the health sector were used judiciously for the benefit of Nigerians.