The House of Representatives has commenced an investigative hearing on the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 Intervention Funds expended between 2020 and 2022. Organized by the House Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the hearings are scheduled from January 17 to January 26, 2024, at the National Assembly Complex.
In a communication, Rep. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House Public Accounts Committee, highlighted that fifty-nine (59) Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Parastatals of the Government have been issued notices to appear before the Committee. These include the Accountant-General of the Federation, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and others.
Representatives from each MDA, including the Chief Executive Officer, Head of Finance, Head of Procurement, and officers familiar with the expenditures of the COVID-19 Intervention Funds, are expected to appear. The communication emphasized that failure to comply with the invitation may lead to the Committee resolving the issues raised against the respective offices and medical institutions.
The investigation was initiated following a resolution by the House in October 2023, prompted by a motion presented by Rep. Zakaria Dauda Nyampa. The motion highlighted concerns about the diversion and unaccountability of significant funds allocated for COVID-19 palliatives and international donations by various government agencies. The House mandated the Public Accounts Committee to investigate the expenditure of COVID-19 intervention funds and report back for further legislative action.
