The House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive investigation into the management of over $4.6 billion in international health grants received by Nigeria between 2021 and 2025.
The funds, primarily from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development were allocated to combat major public health challenges including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and polio, as well as to support the broader health system under various initiatives.
The resolution followed a motion presented at Tuesday’s plenary by Labour Party lawmaker Amobi Ogah and read by the House Deputy Spokesman, Hon. Philip Agbese.
Despite the volume of external aid, Ogah noted, Nigeria continues to record some of the highest global burdens of preventable diseases.
“Between 2021 and 2024, the Global Fund disbursed around $1.8 billion to Nigeria to strengthen disease control efforts and bolster the Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health initiative,” Ogah stated.
“In the same period, USAID committed over $2.8 billion to Nigeria’s health sector. Yet, the public health outcomes do not reflect the scale of financial support received.”
He further lamented that despite a long history of global donor engagement — including over $6 billion from PEPFAR since inception — Nigeria remains one of the most affected countries by HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
“The statistics are deeply troubling,” Ogah said. “In 2023 alone, we recorded 51,000 AIDS-related deaths, including 15,000 children under the age of 14. Nigeria also accounts for 26.6% of global malaria cases and 31% of malaria deaths, ranking sixth globally in TB burden.”
The lawmaker stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in how international health funds are managed and disbursed.
“These realities show that despite billions in aid, Nigeria continues to grapple with preventable diseases. There is an urgent need to ensure proper fund utilisation and measurable results,” he said.
Following deliberations, the House resolved to mandate its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control to investigate the utilisation of funds from the Global Fund and USAID between 2021 and 2025.
