The House of Representatives has begun an investigation into the management of more than $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 — $1.8 billion from the Global Fund and $2.8 billion from USAID — were allocated to support Nigeria’s fight against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, as well as to strengthen the country’s health systems.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the investigative hearing, the Chairman of the House Committee on Infectious Diseases, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, said the probe was essential to ascertain how the grants had been utilized and to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of donor funds meant to combat infectious diseases.
Ogah expressed concern that despite massive donor interventions, Nigeria continues to suffer heavily from HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, as well as other infectious diseases.
“It appears that while budgetary allocations and donor funds are mobilised for the response against these health challenges, there is no reprieve in sight as Nigerians are ravaged daily,” he said.
The lawmaker warned that Nigeria would no longer accept being a “mere spectator” in the management of grants received from international partners, insisting that future donor funds must align with Nigeria’s health priorities.
“Any grant or assistance being given to us without us managing such grant is unacceptable. If they would not give us such grants and assistance on our terms, then let them keep their grants,” Ogah stated.
“We must assert our capacity to take charge of our affairs, particularly in the response against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.”
Ogah directed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure that all principal recipients and implementing partners of donor grants submit their implementation plans for National Assembly approval before any disbursement of funds.
He further disclosed that the committee would collaborate with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to guarantee accountability in the management of the funds.
“This is even more critical when you consider that some funding for terrorist activities has been traced to grants and donor funds,” he added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the need for Nigeria to gradually reduce dependence on foreign aid and take greater responsibility for financing its own health priorities.
Pate observed that while donor assistance had saved millions of lives through HIV, TB, and malaria interventions, Nigeria’s health spending still falls below the 15% target agreed under the Abuja Declaration, warning that underfunding threatens long-term sustainability.
Declaring the investigative hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said the probe underscores the legislature’s commitment to transparency and effective governance in the health sector.
Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, the Speaker assured that the House would produce an evidence-based report detailing how the grants were received, utilized, and their impact on public health outcomes.
“Our goal is to strengthen accountability and governance in Nigeria’s health system, ensuring that every dollar and naira committed to saving lives delivers measurable impact,” he said.
