Reps Summon Health Minister, Perm Sec Over $300m Malaria Fund

The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis has taken decisive action by summoning both the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom. This summons comes in response to allegations of the misappropriation of a substantial $300 million fund allocated to combat malaria since 2021. The Committee, chaired by Rep. Amobi Godwin Oga, made this directive following a resolution at its investigative hearing on Tuesday.

The Minister and Permanent Secretary are expected to address accusations regarding the exclusion of indigenous manufacturers from securing contracts for the procurement of insecticide-treated nets and related products. Of particular concern is the failure of the Permanent Secretary to comply with the Committee’s invitations, leading to a risk of potential arrest due to repeated non-attendance.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the Permanent Secretary’s absence, Chairman Oga highlighted the urgency of the matter, stressing that malaria remains a significant epidemic in Nigeria. He emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating the disease by 2030 and condemned any obstruction to achieving this goal, especially by civil servants.

The Committee previously flagged concerns over the $3 million expenditure on the procurement process for antimalarial commodities by the Ministry. Chairman Oga reiterated the Committee’s duty to hold government officials accountable and vowed to use all constitutional means, including potential arrest, to compel the Permanent Secretary’s appearance.

Additionally, the Committee received a petition from a law firm representing Rosies Textile Mills Limited, alleging discrimination against indigenous manufacturers in the procurement process for insecticide-treated nets. Both the Minister and Permanent Secretary have been given a strict deadline of 72 hours to appear before the Committee and provide necessary explanations regarding the management of the malaria fund and procurement practices.