By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Reps probe alleged mishandling of N183.9bn COVID-19 funds
The House of Representatives has mandated the Committee on Public Accounts to investigate claims of improper management of COVID-19 intervention funds. This decision follows a motion presented by Nyampa Zakari, a PDP member from Adamawa State, during Tuesday’s plenary.
Zakari asserted that various ministries and organizations mishandled the COVID-19 intervention funds, which totaled over N183.9 billion from both federal budget allocation and international donors.
He emphasized that these funds were crucial for implementing programs and interventions aimed at supporting families, small businesses, and public corporations during the pandemic.
The alleged mishandling was highlighted in an Auditor General’s report, raising concerns about accountability and potential consequences for future donations to Nigeria.
Ahmed Jaha, a member from Borno APC, stressed the significance of the probe, citing the potential benefits lost due to mismanagement. He pointed out that substantial improvements, such as school construction, could have been achieved with better fund utilization.
The House directed the committee to investigate the distribution of COVID-19 intervention funds to federal ministries, departments, and agencies from 2020 to 2022. A comprehensive report is expected within four weeks for further legislative action.
This resolution, proposed by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, received unanimous approval from the House, signaling a commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of COVID-19 intervention funds.