FG To Commence Full Investigation Of Global Fund Grants

The Federal Government has directed the anti-corruption agency, Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to commence full investigation of the alleged misappropriation of Global Fund grants received by Nigeria from 2010 to 2014.

The Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole 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 the Federation to review earlier audit reports from the Office of Inspector General (OIG)”.

The SGF has set-up two high-powered investigative panels to look into 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 are expected to submit their reports within 4 weeks.

“Mr President assured members of the international community that all funds received by Nigeria would be well utilised 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 the federal government of Nigeria for misappropriation of specific intervention grants released.