The House of Representatives has mandated the Public Accounts Committee to investigate the expenditure of funds appropriated or disbursed as COVID-19 intervention to Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government from 2020 to 2022.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion by a member from Adamawa State Mr Nyampa Zakari, on the need to investigate an alleged mismanagement of the funds, at plenary.
The Lawmaker stated that the Federal Government initiated several measures, including budgetary provisions and funding from International donor agencies to combat the COVID19 pandemic on the citizens.
He said a sum of N83.9 Billion was appropriated for the COVID-19 response in the 2020 Appropriation Act and another sum of over N100 Billion Naira as intervention funds through supplementary budget and international donor agencies.
Unaccounted for
According to him, the Auditor-General’s report and other sources revealed that significant funds for COVID-19 palliatives and international donations were diverted and unaccounted for by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government.
Contributing to the debate, a member from Borno state Ahmed Jaha, observed that the COVID-19 funds would have improved the health sector in the country if it had been properly utilised.
The committee was to report back to the house within 4 weeks for further legislative action.
Lateefah Ibrahim
