The House of Representatives on Wednesday launched an investigation into the utilisation of $4.6 billion in international aid grants received between 2021 and 2025 for combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria in Nigeria.
Lawmakers expressed concern that, despite the huge inflow of funds, the country continues to record high mortality rates from the three diseases.
In a motion adopted during plenary, the House called for urgent oversight and reevaluation of existing strategies to ensure Nigeria remains on track to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending epidemics of these diseases by 2030.
The Green Chamber also noted that Nigeria accounts for 31 percent of global malaria deaths, ranking first in Africa and sixth worldwide for tuberculosis cases.
The House subsequently directed its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control to investigate the utilisation of grants provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The committee is expected to report back within one month with recommendations for legislative action.
Lawmakers also observed that the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) contributed an additional $6 billion during the same period to support HIV/AIDS treatment and strengthen Nigeria’s health systems.
“Despite these significant investments, Nigeria remains burdened by major public health challenges, including 51,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023, ranking third globally,” the motion stated.
Meanwhile, the motion made reference to US President Donald Trump’s recent cuts to foreign aid budgets since returning to office in January, moves that humanitarian workers have warned could endanger vulnerable populations, particularly in Africa.
