In a decisive move during an investigative hearing on the misappropriation of COVID-19 funds, the House of Representatives, led by Rep. Bamidele Salam, has directed the Federal Ministry of Health to return 10 billion Naira to the Federal government coffers. The House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) chaired by Hon Bamidele Salam conducted the probe in Abuja on Thursday.
During the hearing, Chairman Salam emphasized the committee's commitment to firmness and legality, urging honesty from all ministries involved. He expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Health, accusing them of withholding information about the unspent 10 billion Naira meant for COVID-19 purposes.
In a stern rebuke, Chairman Salam stated, "One very unacceptable thing you have done is to hold back that information on your presentation. The oath you took is to tell us the truth. If this question hadn’t been asked, the Ministry of Health would have kept the sum of N10 billion, which was meant for COVID-19, to itself."
The committee ordered the Ministry of Health to submit evidence of the remittance of the fund back to the government within seven days. Salam warned against non-compliance, stating, "Anyone who fails to appear unjustly will not leave us with any choice than to use the instrumentality of our laws to deal with such a person."
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ms Daju Kachallom, defended the ministry, asserting that the 10 billion Naira reported as missing by the Auditor General of the Federation was still in the ministry's account. She distanced herself from the inflation, attributing it to the exchange rate fluctuations.
Ms Kachollom assured the committee of the new administration's commitment to transparency, stating, "The new administration in the federal ministry of health intends to superintend over the ministry openly for the world to see." She acknowledged the existence of the 10 billion Naira COVID-19 fund, emphasizing its earmarking for the production of COVID-19 vaccines.
The Permanent Secretary expressed regret over the confusion, citing her recent appointment and lack of firsthand information. She pledged cooperation and urged the relevant authorities to provide necessary documents to address the committee's concerns.
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