The House of Representatives on Wednesday initiated an investigation into the use of $4.6 billion in international aid grants provided between 2021 and 2025, citing concerns that the funds have not significantly reduced high mortality rates from HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
In a motion presented to the House, lawmakers emphasized the need for urgent oversight and a review of current strategies to ensure Nigeria meets the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ending epidemics of these diseases by 2030.
The grants under scrutiny include funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. The motion also noted that the U.S. President’s foreign aid budget cuts have raised concerns among humanitarian workers about the impact on vulnerable populations, particularly in Africa.
Nigeria, according to the House, accounts for 31% of global malaria deaths and ranks first in Africa and sixth globally for tuberculosis cases. Despite these international investments, the country still faces significant public health challenges, including 51,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023, placing Nigeria third globally.
The House directed its Committee on HIV/AIDS to investigate the grants and report back within a month, with recommendations for legislative action to improve the effectiveness of foreign aid in addressing Nigeria’s public health crises.
