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By Gloria Ikibah

A fresh layer of scrutiny has been placed on billions of dollars in international health funding as the House of Representatives resumed its investigative hearing into grants received by Nigeria for the fight against major infectious diseases.

Chairman House Committee on Infectious Diseases, Rep. Amobi Ogah, in his opening remarks at the hearing on Wednesday in Abuja, called for transparency, cooperation and renewed commitment from all stakeholders involved in managing the funds.

“I want to welcome you all to this resumed hearing on the need to investigate the over $1.8 and $2.8 billion dollars grant received by Nigeria from Global Fund and USAID from 2021–2025,” he said.

Ogah reminded stakeholders that the probe followed a formal mandate by the House in October 2025, adding that earlier sessions had been delayed by public holidays.

He emphasised that the inquiry should not be misconstrued as an attempt to target individuals or organisations.

“You will recall that the House of Representatives… passed the resolution mandating the committee… to investigate this matter and report back.

“After a protracted delay… we are resuming the hearing and the committee is calling for the maximum cooperation of key stakeholders.

“I must reiterate that this exercise is not to witch-hunt anybody, nor a vendetta,.

“Rather it is borne out of the desire to put Nigeria and Nigerians in the epicentre of all our policy thrust, especially on issues of public health threats,” Ogah stated.”

The Committee Chairman explained that the investigation also aimed to reassure international donors of Nigeria’s commitment to proper financial management.

“It is also to restore confidence in our international donor partners… and to ensure that whatever grant we receive must be judiciously expended,” he added.

While acknowledging the contributions of development partners and health actors, Ogah signalled tighter legislative oversight going forward.

“Permit me to remind the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism Nigeria that the National Assembly will request the submission of all implementation plans to the Parliament for approval.

“We also expect quarterly reports of the activities of all recipients and sub-recipients”, he said.

He noted that these measures would become effective as Nigeria prepares for the next phase of Global Fund financing.
Looking ahead, Ogah warned that the country’s ambition to eliminate major infectious diseases by 2030 may be slipping out of reach.

Rep. Ogah called for better coordination across the health sector to avoid waste and duplication.

“I believe we are at a decisive turning point and it is apparent that the target of eliminating all public health threats by the year 2030 may no longer be feasible.

“However, we must not fold our hands… much needs to be done to maximise and efficiently utilise the resources at our disposal.

“There is need to streamline what state actors and non-state actors are doing… so that resources can be efficiently allocated,” Ogah urged.

Reaffirming the committee’s role, he said that the Committee will continue to provide the legislative support to “ensure full implementation of the response against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other infectious diseases in our country.”

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The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has urged the government of South Africa to step up protection for Nigerians and other black immigrants following reports of renewed xenophobic violence.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, NIDCOM Chairman/CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa warned that the situation had worsened despite earlier diplomatic engagements between both countries.

According to the commission, recent reports suggest children of Nigerian descent are now afraid to attend school, while business owners are reluctant to open their shops for fear of looting, harassment and targeted attacks. Community leaders have also documented fresh incidents of violence and intimidation within the past 72 hours.

NIDCOM appealed to South African authorities to take “urgent and visible steps” to safeguard foreign nationals, citing obligations under international law and African Union protocols on free movement and human rights.

The commission rejected what it described as the profiling of Nigerians, stressing that crime should be treated as an individual matter. “Crime has no nationality,” the statement said, adding that offenders should be prosecuted under South African law rather than entire communities being stigmatised.

Among its demands, NIDCOM called for increased police patrols in areas where Nigerians live and work, swift arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators, and the creation of a joint Nigeria-South Africa community safety forum involving police, city officials and diaspora leaders.

The commission also urged South African authorities to issue clear public messages condemning xenophobia and stereotyping.

Nigerians living in South Africa were advised to remain law-abiding and avoid high-risk areas after dark. NIDCOM said it is in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, the consulate in Johannesburg, and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While condemning the attacks, the commission praised the majority of South Africans who continue to live peacefully with other Africans, expressing confidence in the longstanding ties between both nations and pledging continued diplomatic engagement to protect Nigerians abroad.

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The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the dismissal and prosecution of officers involved in the fatal shooting of Mr. Mene Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State, following the tragic incident that occurred on April 26, 2026.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directed the immediate withdrawal of all officers linked to the incident from the Delta State Command to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they underwent accelerated disciplinary proceedings.

The statement revealed that the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), after a thorough review, found that the principal officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, acted in gross violation of Force Order 237 and other established regulations guiding the use of firearms.

The committee described his actions as unlawful, unprofessional, and a serious betrayal of the oath sworn to protect lives and uphold the law.

Following the findings, the FDC recommended the immediate dismissal of ASP Nuhu Usman and other officers found culpable in the incident.

The Inspector-General of Police has since approved the recommendation and forwarded it to the Police Service Commission for ratification in line with due process.

The Force also confirmed that upon completion of the administrative procedures, the affected officers would be handed over to the appropriate judicial authorities for prosecution over their roles in the extrajudicial killing.

Reaffirming the Force’s stance, the IGP stated that the Nigeria Police Force maintains zero tolerance for extrajudicial actions and abuse of power, stressing that no officer has the right to take life outside the provisions of the law.

He emphasized that any officer found violating this principle would face the full weight of disciplinary and legal consequences.

The Inspector-General also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, Mr. Mene Ogidi, assuring them that the matter would not be treated lightly and that justice would be served transparently to restore public confidence.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, while assuring citizens of the Force’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the protection of the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.