By Mercy Gadia
The House of Representatives has resumed its investigative hearing into over $4.6bn in grants received by Nigeria from international donors between 2021 and 2025, with lawmakers demanding greater transparency and accountability in the utilisation of the funds.
The probe, which is being handled by the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, is focused on funds allocated to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, as well as to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.
Chairman of the committee, Amobi Godwin Ogah, who presided over the session in Abuja on Wednesday, said the exercise was aimed at ensuring judicious use of donor funds and restoring confidence among international partners.
The grants under review include over $1.8bn from the Global Fund and $2.8bn from the United States Agency for International Development.
Ogah stressed that the investigation was not targeted at any individual or organisation but was in the broader interest of Nigerians.
“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 recalled that the House, in October 2025, mandated the committee to investigate the disbursement and utilisation of the funds, noting that the hearing resumed after earlier sittings were stalled by public holidays.
The lawmaker commended development partners for their sustained support to Nigeria’s health sector but insisted that stronger oversight mechanisms must be institutionalised.
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.
“We expect quarterly reports from all recipients and sub-recipients, as well as key implementing partners, to ensure proper monitoring and accountability,” Ogah added.
He also warned against poor coordination among government agencies and non-state actors, which he said could lead to duplication of efforts and inefficient use of resources.
Ogah expressed concern that Nigeria might struggle to meet its 2030 target of eliminating major public health threats but urged stakeholders to intensify efforts.
“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 said.
Key stakeholders at the hearing included officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, representatives of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism, and other implementing partners involved in managing the grants.
The ongoing probe is expected to scrutinise how the funds were disbursed, utilised, and monitored, amid growing concerns over accountability in donor-supported health programmes in the country.