The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 intervention funds by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Nigerian government.
The probe, initiated in response to a motion by House member Nyampa Zakari in October 2023, is focused on examining the handling of funds totaling N183.9 billion allocated to address the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2023.
During the opening session, Committee Chairman Bamidele Salam emphasized the committee’s commitment to diligence in carrying out the investigation.
Salam warned the MDAs that the committee would not entertain requests for extensions and urged them to adequately prepare for the probe.
Related News: https://savingpointmedia.com/president-tinubu-appoints-board-and-management-team-for-nnpc-limited/
Salam stated, “The committee is probing over 60 MDAs over several billion naira intervention funds allocated to them during the COVID-19, and we have given them enough time to prepare for this exercise.”
The MDAs that appeared before the committee on the first day of the probe included Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State; Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy; Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security; Federal Ministry of Water Resources; and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency.
The Chief Medical Director of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Yusuf Jubrin, was directed to reappear before the committee on Thursday with relevant documents supporting the funds allocated to the institution to combat the global pandemic.
The committee scrutinized documents submitted by the acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mohammed Ibrahim, and the Procurement Officer, Mrs. Margret Ebute.
Members found discrepancies and directed the officials to return with proper documentation, including vouchers and evidence of the N3 billion expenditure allocated to the ministry during the specified period.
The committee also expressed concern about multiple contract awards on the same day and raised issues regarding the violation of the Federal Character principle by some contractors claiming exclusive rights to provide certain services.
The investigation seeks to ensure transparency, accountability, and adherence to established principles in the utilization of COVID-19 intervention funds.
You can also read: https://savingpointmedia.com/ogun-state-governor-approves-constituency-projects-for-236-councillors/