The House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, and the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, to appear before it. They are required to provide explanations regarding the alleged misappropriation of $300 million earmarked for malaria funding since 2021.
The committee has resolved that the Permanent Secretary should be arrested if she fails to honor the summons, as this marks the third time she has failed to appear before the committee. Additionally, the Minister and the Permanent Secretary are to address allegations of denying indigenous manufacturers of insecticidal nets participation in the procurement contract for such products.
Committee Chairman Amobi Godwin Ogah expressed concern over the Ministry's procurement costs, which amounted to over $3 million for antimalarial commodities. He emphasized the urgency of addressing malaria as an epidemic in Nigeria and criticized the civil servants for their perceived lack of cooperation with the committee.
Ogah highlighted the National Assembly's commitment to holding the Ministry accountable and ensuring that the funds allocated for malaria eradication are utilized effectively. He also mentioned receiving a petition from Seasons Law Firm on behalf of Rosies Textile Mills Limited, accusing the Ministry and the Permanent Secretary of favoring foreign companies over indigenous manufacturers in procurement contracts.
