Reps Launch Probe into $4.6bn Global Fund, USAID Health Grants

The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the utilisation of $4.6 billion in health sector grants received from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) between 2021 and 2025.

The probe seeks to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of funds aimed at tackling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and other infectious diseases in Nigeria.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Amoebi Ogah during Tuesday’s plenary session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. The House mandated its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control to investigate the application of the grants and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

While presenting the motion, Hon. Philip Agbese (APC–Benue) disclosed that Nigeria had also received more than $6 billion in assistance from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) within the same period, aimed at strengthening health systems and combating HIV/AIDS.

Despite these significant inflows, Agbese noted that Nigeria continues to rank among the countries with the highest global burden of HIV, TB, and malaria. He cited data showing that in 2023 alone, about 15,000 AIDS-related deaths occurred among children aged 0–14, with a total of 51,000 deaths recorded nationwide.

“Nigeria ranks third globally in HIV-related deaths and has the highest number of HIV cases in West and Central Africa,” he said. “The country also accounts for 26.6 percent of global malaria cases and 31 percent of global malaria deaths.”

Lawmakers expressed concern that without proper oversight, Nigeria risks missing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of eradicating HIV, TB, and malaria by 2030. They also directed the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare to present an implementation plan and expenditure breakdown of the funds approved by the National Assembly.

Agbese warned that without urgent reforms, Nigeria could lose eligibility for the Global Fund’s next replenishment cycle, which supports countries committed to ending the three diseases.

He cited Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empower the legislature to summon ministries, agencies, or non-governmental organisations for accountability.

“If something drastic is not done to reassess and reevaluate the utilisation and implementation of these grants, Nigeria may continue to suffer avoidable disease burdens and fail to meet its 2030 health targets,” he cautioned.

The committee is expected to begin public hearings in the coming weeks, engaging officials of the Ministry of Health, donor agencies, and implementing partners to account for the use of the funds.