Federal Government of Nigeria has ordered the Economic and Financial Crime
Commission (EFCC) to commence full investigation of the misappropriation
of Global Fund Grants Nigeria received from 2010 –2014.
This was revealed Monday by the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole who
said, “President Muhammadu Buhari gave the directive as part of
government’s effort and commitment to fight corruption in the country.
The President has also directed the Secretary to the Government of
Federation to review earlier audit reports from the Office of Inspector
General (OIG)”.
Thus, the SGF has set-up two high-powered investigative panels to look in
to the affected programmes and the financial transactions.
The first panel headed by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole
will conduct in-depth review of all programmes while the second panel
chaired by Auditor General of the Federation – Mr. Samuel Ukura – will
review all financial transactions during the period.
The two committees were expected to submit their reports within four weeks.
“Mr. President assured members of the international community that all
funds received by Nigeria would be well utilized and accounted for under
his watch to avoid national embarrassment”, he said.
He further said that all indicted officials would be given fair hearing
and those found guilty would be sanctioned to serve as deterrent to
others.
The recent OIG report by Global Fund indicted three agencies of Federal
Government of Nigeria for misappropriation of specific intervention grants
released, a statement by Director, Media and Public Relations, Mrs. Boade
Akinola, said.