Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for transparency and accountability in the government's $1.07 billion allocation to the health sector for 2025, expressing concerns about potential misappropriation and the lack of a clear plan for spending.
Former Vice President of Nigeria , Atiku Abubakar , has expressed serious concerns about the potential misappropriation of funds allocated to the health sector in the 2025 budget. He drew attention to past instances where ludicrous explanations, such as attributing missing funds to animals like snakes, termites, gorillas, and monkeys, were offered. Abubakar emphasized that such absurd scenarios must not be allowed to occur with resources earmarked for healthcare.
He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the government's $1.07 billion budgetary allocation for the health sector, especially given dwindling resources and reduced external support for healthcare services. Abubakar specifically called for mechanisms to ensure public audits and the proper utilization of every kobo allocated for healthcare. He questioned the government's failure to provide a detailed breakdown of its spending plans for the over a billion dollars designated for the primary health sector. While acknowledging the importance of investing in primary healthcare to make medical services accessible and affordable for Nigerians, Abubakar argued that allocating such a substantial sum without clear disclosure of intended use is unethical.Abubakar noted that the Federal Government has announced plans to spend $1.07 billion in the primary health sector, in addition to the N2.48 trillion already proposed for healthcare in the budget. He pointed out that this additional funding is largely sourced from foreign loans, with a small portion coming from an international donor agency. He stressed that since these loans must be repaid, Nigerians have the right to know the full details of the expenditure and ensure it is transparent and well-justified. He further criticized the government for failing to commit to any physical infrastructure projects within the health sector, suggesting this raises concerns about potential mismanagement or fraud.While the government claims the funds will be used to improve healthcare governance and strengthen primary health services nationwide, including recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers, Abubakar expressed skepticism. He pointed to the government's poor track record in managing public funds, particularly in humanitarian services, and argued that Nigerians should not accept vague explanations without clear accountability mechanisms. He cited examples of the government's misleading statements about improvements in tertiary hospitals, despite the reality that many lack basic amenities like stable electricity supply. Abubakar also criticized the government's response to the recent withdrawal of American aid for HIV/AIDS treatment, stating that the proposed intervention of N5 billion is woefully inadequate. He concluded by urging the government to present a clear framework for managing this significant health sector investment and submit it to proper legislative scrutiny. Otherwise, he warned, it may be another instance of public funds being mismanaged under the guise of serving Nigerians
Atiku Abubakar Nigeria Health Budget Transparency Accountability Mismanagement Primary Healthcare HIV/AIDS
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