The Nigerian House of Representatives has issued a stern ultimatum to the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, demanding a comprehensive report within 72 hours regarding the allocation and utilization of N100 billion in COVID-19 intervention funds. These funds were disbursed during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, spanning the period from 2020 to 2022. The lawmakers’ primary objective is to ensure transparency and accountability in the expenditure of these funds.
Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts and a member of the Peoples Democratic Party from Osun, delivered this ultimatum. This action was precipitated by the Accountant-General’s failure to adhere to the committee’s directive to submit the report no later than October 27, 2023.
In his statement, the lawmaker emphasized the significance of this document in guiding their investigation, which the House had mandated them to undertake. It is intended to scrutinize the expenses incurred under the COVID-19 interventions, particularly during 2020 through 2022.
The legislator’s message to the Accountant-General of the Federation is clear: the report is expected to be transmitted to the committee before the close of business on Friday, November 3, 2023.
It is important to note that the House had previously passed a resolution, authorizing the committee to probe the expenditure associated with COVID-19 interventions, specifically during the years 2020 to 2022. This investigative effort seeks to ensure financial accountability in the management of these critical funds.
