ABUJA( The COW News Digital) Nigeria’s national assembly has launched an extensive investigation into how $4.6 billion in international aid was spent, amid concerns that the country continues to face alarming rates of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria despite massive foreign funding.
The parliamentary probe, announced Wednesday, will scrutinize aid flows between 2021 and 2025, including $1.8 billion provided by the Global Fund and $2.8 billion from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has since been disbanded. Both programs were designed to combat infectious diseases and strengthen public health infrastructure across Africa’s most populous nation.
House Representative Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson for the lower chamber, said lawmakers are seeking transparency and accountability regarding how the funds were received and utilized. “We really want to know how the funds came in, when they came in, and what they have been used for — and what we have been able to achieve,” Agbese told AFP.
He questioned why Nigeria still ranks among the world’s most affected nations despite years of global support. “If these resources have been properly utilized, why are we still having so many cases?” he asked. “And if the funds were insufficient, as parliament, we must determine what additional measures are needed.”
According to the Nigerian parliament, the country remains the world’s third-highest in AIDS-related deaths as of 2023, even after receiving billions in support from PEPFAR — the U.S. government’s flagship HIV program. However, UN data shows encouraging progress: new HIV infections and AIDS deaths have steadily declined, and over 80% of patients in need now have access to antiretroviral treatment.
Tuberculosis and malaria continue to pose grave challenges. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that two-thirds of global TB cases occur in just nine countries — including Nigeria, India, and Indonesia. Nigeria also accounts for nearly a third of the world’s malaria deaths.
Experts warn that the dismantling of USAID under President Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk earlier this year worsened Nigeria’s health crisis. The closure of USAID-funded clinics reportedly disrupted critical malaria prevention and treatment programs across rural areas.
Lawmakers have vowed to deliver a full report within 30 days, emphasizing that accountability and efficient resource use are crucial to restoring public trust and saving lives.
