The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Ali Pate, and the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, to appear before the Committee over an allegation of $300 million fraud to combat malaria.
The committee, chaired by Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwato/Umuneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State, expressed its dissatisfaction with the absence of the Permanent Secretary, warning of potential arrest should she fail to comply after being summoned thrice.
Part of the questions to be answered is the allegations of excluding indigenous manufacturers from participating in the procurement contracts for insecticidal nets, a critical tool in malaria control efforts.
Ogah, who highlighted the importance of prioritising local content, cited the resolutions passed by the National Assembly to that effect.
He said Nigeria secured $100 million from the Islamic Bank, with an additional $200 million from the World Bank in 2021 for malaria eradication initiatives.
However, concerns have been raised over the procurement process, with the ministry allegedly contracting the United Nations Office for Project Services at a cost exceeding $3 million, sidelining local manufacturers.
Ogah said the committee was committed to holding public officials accountable for their actions, emphasising the government’s obligation to prioritise the well-being of its citizens.
This is just as he said that the committee also received a petition from Seasons Law Firm on behalf of Rosies Textile Mills Limited, alleging discrimination against indigenous manufacturers in the procurement process.
Ogah urged parliamentary intervention to address these grievances and ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of resources.
Meanwhile, Malaria remains a pressing health concern in Nigeria, and the mismanagement of funds designated for its eradication is viewed with grave concern by lawmakers.
