The House of Representatives in Nigeria has directed the Committee on Public Account to investigate allegations of the improper handling of COVID-19 intervention funding. The motion to launch the investigation was moved during a plenary session by Nyampa Zakari, a member of the PDP from Adamawa State.
Zakari alleged that various ministries and organizations mishandled the COVID-19 intervention funds during the pandemic. He stated that over N183.9 billion was earmarked in the federal budget for COVID-19 intervention funds, including contributions from international donors.
The mishandling of these funds, as detailed in the Auditor General’s report, could discourage future donations from international donor organizations. Zakari expressed concerns about the lack of proper accountability for the funds allocated for COVID-19 intervention, which could negatively impact Nigeria’s economic ratings and opportunities.
Ahmed Jaha, a member from Borno State, supported the investigation, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. He pointed out that if each constituency received N500 million, it could lead to the construction of many schools.
As a result, the House instructed the Committee on Public Account to investigate COVID-19 intervention funds allocated to federal ministries, departments, and agencies between 2020 and 2022. The committee is expected to provide a report within four weeks for further legislative action.
The resolution to launch the investigation received unanimous support from the House, highlighting the importance of ensuring accountability in the use of COVID-19 intervention funds.