The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis has summoned the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, over allegations of misappropriation of $300 million provided to tackle malaria since 2021.
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Amobi Godwin Oga, issued the directive after a resolution at its investigative hearing on Tuesday. The minister and permanent secretary are also to respond to allegations that they denied indigenous manufacturers from getting contracts for the procurement of insecticide-treated nets and other related products.
According to the committee chairman, the permanent secretary risks arrest as she has failed to honor the committee’s invitation for three consecutive times, expressing displeasure over her absence.
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The Committee had raised concerns that $3 million was spent on the procurement process of antimalarial commodities by the ministry. Oga emphasized the urgency of addressing the malaria epidemic in Nigeria, stating that civil servants’ attitudes towards parliamentarians will no longer be tolerated.
He highlighted the National Assembly’s commitment to defending Nigerians and ensuring accountability, warning of invoking constitutional rights to compel the permanent secretary’s arrest if she fails to honor the summons.
The Committee had received a petition from a law firm on behalf of Rosies Textile Mills Limited, alleging denial of indigenous manufacturers’ participation in the procurement of insecticide-treated nets. The minister and permanent secretary were given 72 hours to appear before the Committee.
(Daily Trust)