The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed the Economic and Financial Crime Commission to commence full investigation into the alleged misappropriation of Global Fund Grants Nigeria received from 2010 to 2014.
This was revealed on Monday by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole.
Adewole said: “President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR 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.”
In this regard, the SGF, Babachir Lawal, has set up two high-powered investigative panels to look in to the affected programmes and the financial transactions.
The first panel, headed by Adewole, will conduct in-depth review of all programmes, while the second panel, chaired by Auditor General of the Federation, Samuel Ukura, will review all financial transactions during the period.
The two committees are expected to submit their reports within four weeks.
Adewole added: “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 further said 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.
