Reps summon minister over alleged of $300 million anti-malaria scam
The House of Representatives has called upon Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and the Permanent Secretary to appear before them in response to an accusation about the unauthorised granting of a $300 million contract for the purchase of anti-malaria goods.
Hon Amobi Ogah, the chairman of the House Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, made this announcement during a hearing to look into the petition that Seasons Law Firm submitted on behalf of Rosie’s Textile Mills Limited against the Federal Ministry of Health.
The petition accuses the ministry of excluding local manufacturers of insecticidal nets from the procurement contract for such nets and related products.
The lawmakers unanimously decided to summon the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and everyone involved in the procurement process because the Permanent Secretary had declined the Committee’s three invitations to attend.
The purpose of this summons is to ensure accountability for the borrowed funds from the World Bank and Islamic Bank.Ogah described malaria as an epidemic in Nigeria and stated that the government has always expressed a desire to assist the people. However, he also pointed out that civil officials often pose challenges in implementing these efforts.
This fund has been accessible since 2021.
We have extended invitations to the Permanent Secretary.
This is the third instance in which we have extended an invitation to her, requesting her presence to provide us with a detailed account of the events that have transpired.He said, “Have they utilised the funds?” If the money has not been used, where is it located? It can be easily explained.
However, they have been evading us, summoning several individuals to engage in conversation with us. However, our purpose is to protect and support the Nigerian population. Although the government has made significant efforts to achieve eradication by 2030, it is imperative that Nigerians no longer suffer from malaria-related deaths.The Committee delivered the ultimatum on Tuesday following the Permanent Secretary of the Minister, Daju Kachollom, declining the Committee’s invitation.
The Committee is now investigating the purported embezzlement of $300 million designated for addressing malaria since 2021.
By Nnaemeka Odenigbo
