The House of Representatives has summoned 83 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to investigate the alleged mismanagement of over N447.6 billion in COVID-19 intervention funds from 2020 to 2022. The probe is scheduled to run from November 27 to December 4, 2023.
At least 22 MDAs received N447.6 billion as COVID-19 funds in 2020 alone, with concerns raised about the transparency and management of these funds. The summoned MDAs include the Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Communications and Digital Economy, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, and various others.
The House Committee, led by Bamidele Salam, issued invitations to the MDAs, requesting their Chief Accounting Officers, Head of Finance, Head of Procurement, and other relevant officers to defend the expenditures contained in their submissions.
Among the agencies summoned are FERMA, Ministries of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Youth and Sports Development, Women Affairs and Social Development, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mines and Steel Development, Water Resources, Health, National Hospital Abuja, and National Directorate of Employment.
The investigation comes as a response to concerns about the mismanagement of COVID-19 funds, with several agencies receiving substantial amounts for intervention programs. The House aims to address transparency issues and ensure accountability in the utilization of these funds.
In addition to the financial scrutiny, there will be a focus on increasing local content in the industry, as urged by the Executive Vice Chairman during the event. The House also plans to examine the impact of forex scarcity on telecom operators and address the need for a price review in the industry.