The House of Representatives Committee on Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis has taken decisive action in response to the alleged misappropriation of $300 million in antimalarial funds.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Pate, has been summoned to appear before the committee, chaired by Rep. Amobi Ogah. Expressing dissatisfaction with the absence of the ministry's permanent secretary at the hearing, Rep. Ogah emphasized the gravity of the situation.
The committee resolved that if the permanent secretary fails to comply with the summons, she will face arrest, having already missed three previous invitations.
Highlighting the severity of malaria as an endemic issue in Nigeria, Rep. Ogah underscored the government's allocation of funds since 2021 to combat the disease. However, concerns have arisen regarding the utilization of these funds, with Rep. Ogah pointing to civil servants as potential obstacles.
Despite repeated invitations, the permanent secretary has failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the allocation and usage of the antimalarial funds. Rep. Ogah expressed frustration over the ministry's evasion tactics, including reaching out to various individuals to intervene.
The committee's summons of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare underscores the urgency of addressing the alleged misappropriation and ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of antimalarial funds.
As Nigerians await further developments, the committee's actions signal a commitment to uncovering the truth behind the allocation and utilization of vital resources in the fight against malaria.
