House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis has issued an ultimatum to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Ali Pate, and the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, to appear before it within 72 hours to answer allegations of misusing $300 million earmarked for malaria control since 2021.
Gatekeepers News reports that the committee expressed its dissatisfaction with the absence of the Permanent Secretary and warned of potential arrest should she fail to comply after being summoned three times.
The investigation centres around allegations of excluding indigenous manufacturers from participating in the procurement contracts for insecticidal nets, a crucial tool in malaria control efforts.
The committee chair, Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwato/Umuneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State, highlighted the importance of prioritizing local content, citing resolutions passed by the National Assembly to that effect.
According to Hon. Ogah, 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.
