The House of Representatives has initiated an inquiry into the allocation and use of $4.6 billion in grants, which includes $1.8 billion from the Global Fund and $2.8 billion provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) between 2021 and 2025. These funds are designated for combating HIV, Tuberculosis, Malaria, and enhancing resilient, sustainable health systems.
This decision followed the approval of a nigeria/” title=”Senate Forms 12-Member Task Force to Challenge US Genocide Allegations Against …”>motion introduced by Hon. Philip Agbese (APC, Benue) during Tuesday’s plenary session.
In his presentation, Agbese highlighted that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, founded in 2002, is dedicated to mobilizing resources and accelerating worldwide efforts to eradicate these diseases, with a particular focus on regions such as sub-Saharan Africa.
He further emphasized that Nigeria is slated to receive approximately $1.8 billion from the Global Fund between 2021 and 2025 to tackle HIV, TB, and malaria. Additionally, USAID is expected to contribute over $2.8 billion from 2022 to 2024 to support similar health initiatives.
The deputy spokesperson for the House noted, “The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has invested more than $6 billion in Nigeria from 2021 to 2025, aimed at fighting HIV/AIDS and reinforcing health and community infrastructures.”
He added that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is responsible for managing USAID grants, while the Country Coordinating Mechanism Nigeria oversees the implementation of Global Fund resources.
Despite these substantial financial commitments, Agbese expressed alarm over Nigeria’s ongoing public health challenges, citing statistics such as 15,000 AIDS-related deaths among children aged 0-14 in 2023, and a total of 51,000 AIDS-related fatalities that year, positioning Nigeria as the third highest globally in HIV-related mortality.
He also pointed out that Nigeria bears the world’s heaviest malaria burden, accounting for 26.6% of global cases and 31% of deaths, and ranks first in Africa and sixth worldwide in tuberculosis cases, representing 4.6% of the global TB load.
Agbese reminded the House that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target the elimination of HIV, TB, and malaria by 2030-a milestone Nigeria is unlikely to reach if current patterns continue unchecked.
He voiced concerns over the absence of thorough and coordinated oversight by the National Assembly regarding the management and deployment of these grants.
“Without prompt reassessment and stringent supervision, Nigeria risks missing the 2030 elimination goals, enduring a heavy disease burden, and suffering significant population losses,” he warned.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House tasked its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control with conducting a detailed investigation into the use of grants received from 2021 to 2025. The committee is expected to submit its findings within four weeks to guide subsequent legislative measures.
