Senate to probe alleged diversion of polio funds

The Senate on Monday said it will investigate the alleged diversion of $1.5m special intervention funds for polio eradication.

This was stated by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, at a press conference to commemorate the World Polio Day on Monday.

Ohuabunwa said, “In this wise, my committee will ensure that its statutory oversight functions of key government agencies and parastatals are conducted as and when due, with a view to ensuring probity and accountability on how primary health care services are funded and implemented.

“Additionally, we want to reassure all donors and partners of our resolve to ensure that donor funds are well spent and that they reach the masses that need them. Key funding agencies like Global Fund, GAVI and several others will be engaged by my committee to ensure that mistakes of the past are avoided and that funds from these donors are used judiciously.

“We cannot afford mistakes of the past, where funds for developmental projects from donors, are improperly managed, leading to imposition of sanctions on Nigeria from these donors. We cannot continue to be disgraced as a nation through mismanagement of donor funds and we must work hard to gain or regain the trust of all donors, bilateral and multi-lateral partners.”