ABUJA — The House of Representatives Committee on Infectious Diseases has ramped up its investigation into the utilization of approximately $4.6 billion in donor-funded health grants. The probe focuses on funds disbursed between 2021 and 2025 by the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. During an oversight visit to key recipient organizations on Sunday, Committee Chairman Amobi Ogah declared that the era of "business as usual" is over, emphasizing that the National Assembly will now enforce stricter monitoring to ensure transparency, accountability, and value for money.
As part of this new regulatory framework, all implementing partners are now required to submit their program plans directly to the parliament for approval, alongside detailed quarterly reports. The committee’s visit to various institutes highlighted the scale of the international support received by major implementing partners. The Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) disclosed receipt of $359.4 million from the Global Fund for the 2021–2026 period, while FHI 360 reported receiving $290.44 million between 2021 and 2023. Catholic Relief Services also reported receiving over $74.7 million during the review period.
Ogah clarified that the investigation is a strategic move to restore donor confidence and ensure that resources reach the intended beneficiaries. Nigeria currently carries the second-largest HIV burden globally, and malaria remains a leading cause of death for children under five, making the efficient use of these billions a critical public health priority. Implementing partners, including leadership from IHVN and Catholic Relief Services, expressed their commitment to accountability and welcomed the opportunity to highlight both achievements and gaps in their respective programs.
The committee has directed all beneficiary organizations to provide comprehensive financial records, including bank statements and procurement documents. This assertive legislative approach aims to prevent the duplication of roles among principal and sub-recipients while aligning donor activities with the National Assembly's oversight mandate. By requiring detailed documentation, the committee seeks to ensure that every dollar spent contributes directly to strengthening Nigeria’s response to infectious diseases and improving the health outcomes of its citizens.
