The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis has taken a decisive step in investigating allegations of misappropriation of $300 million earmarked for malaria eradication efforts since 2021.
The committee has summoned the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, along with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, to provide explanations regarding the utilization of these funds.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Amobi Godwin Oga, issued the directive following a resolution reached during an investigative hearing on Tuesday. Expressing deep concern over the absence of the Permanent Secretary, Oga highlighted that this was the third consecutive invitation that had been ignored, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.
He said, “Malaria is now an epidemic in Nigeria. The government has always wanted to help the people but most times the civil servants are our problem. This money has been made available since 2021. We have been inviting the permanent secretary. This is the third time we are inviting her to come and explain to us what has happened.
“Have they used the money? If they have not used the money, where is the money? It is a matter of simple explanation. But they have been running away, calling all manner of people to talk to us. But we are here to defend Nigerians.
“We were elected to represent our people. Nigerians cannot continue to die of malaria, even when government has made every necessary effort to see that eradication is being achieved by 2030.
The committee intends to probe allegations that indigenous manufacturers were unjustly excluded from obtaining contracts for the procurement of insecticide-treated nets and related products, raising questions about transparency and fairness in the procurement process.
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