The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis on Tuesday gave the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammed Pate, and the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, a 72-hour ultimatum to appear before them over allegations of misuse of $300m meant to tackle malaria since 2021.
The duo is also expected to answer questions on allegations of denying indigenous manufacturers of insecticidal nets from participating in the contract for the procurement of the items and other related products.
This is coming after three invitations of the Secretary were not honored, the committee, therefore, threatened to order the arrest of the permanent secretary, Kachallom Daju, if she fails to honour the summons.
The Chairman of the Committee and member representing Isuikwato/Umuneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State, Amobi Ogah, read the committee’s resolutions with the Minister on Tuesday at the National Assembly. He expressed disappointment about the Permanent Secretary’s absence.
According to him, ” “Nigeria borrowed $100m from the Islamic Bank, which was approved by the National Assembly Ministers in 2021.
“Out of the $100m, $10m was granted, and another $200m borrowed from World Bank in the same year for Impact Project (Malaria Financing Agreement), making it a total of $300m.
“The resolution by the National Assembly is that local content must be prioritised to encourage local manufacturers, but the ministry went ahead to contract the United Nations Office for Project Services to do the procurement process at a cost of over $3m for the purchase of anti-malaria commodities.”
Ogah explained that the government has always wanted to help the people, adding that “Most times, the civil servants are our problem. This money has been made available since 2021. We have been inviting the Permanent Secretary. This is the third time we have invited her to come and explain to us what has happened.”
He continued, “Have they used the money? If they have not used the money, where is the money? It is a matter of simple explanation. But they have been running away, calling all manner of people to talk to us. But we are here to defend Nigerians. We were elected to represent our people. Nigerians cannot continue to die of malaria, even when the government has made every necessary effort to see that eradication is being achieved by 2030.
Ogah has further called for the parliament’s intervention to address the issue. #Minister
