Abuja, Nigeria – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilization of funds budgeted for the health sector in the 2025 budget. Atiku’s statement, issued on Sunday, comes amid concerns over the government’s handling of public funds and the need to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Atiku warned against a repeat of past incidents where bizarre claims, such as animals like snakes, termites, gorillas, and monkeys being blamed for the disappearance of public funds, overshadowed accountability. He emphasized that such “fairytale-like” excuses must not be associated with the critical health sector.
Demand for Accountability
The former Vice President stressed the importance of proper utilization of every kobo allocated to the health sector, particularly in light of dwindling resources and the withdrawal of support in certain areas of healthcare services.
“In recent years, there have been bizarre claims of animals being held accountable for missing public funds. Some of these fairytale-like claims were never investigated or punished to deter future offenders,” Atiku stated.
He added, “Against the backdrop of dwindling resources that has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of support in certain areas of our healthcare services, it is important that every kobo budgeted for the health sector has to be maximally utilised.”
**Concerns Over 1.07BillionHealthSectorAllocation∗∗AtikucriticizedtheFederalGovernmentforfailingtoprovideaclearframeworkdetailinghowthe1.07 billion allocated to the primary health sector would be spent. He noted that while increased investment in healthcare is essential for improving access to quality services, the government has a moral duty to disclose how these funds will be utilized.
“We have read that the Federal Government plans to expend a whopping $1.07 billion in the primary health sector. This amount is in addition to the N2.48 trillion earlier proposed for the health sector in the initial budget draft,” Atiku said.
He further emphasized, “Nigerians deserve to know the details of these loans and how the funds will be spent. The budget should be accompanied by a clear policy framework explaining its disbursement.”
Call for Public Audit Mechanisms
Atiku urged the Federal Government to establish robust mechanisms for public audit and accountability to ensure that the funds are used effectively. He highlighted the need for deliberate actions to prevent mismanagement and ensure that the health sector receives the necessary support to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
“To this end, the Federal Government has to be deliberate about putting mechanisms in place for public audit and accountability in its $1.07 billion budgetary appropriation in the health sector,” he stated.
A Stronger Healthcare System
The former Vice President’s call for transparency aligns with broader demands for improved governance and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector. With the health sector facing numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, poor funding, and brain drain, effective utilization of the budgeted funds is critical to achieving meaningful progress.
Atiku’s statement serves as a reminder of the government’s responsibility to prioritize the welfare of its citizens by ensuring that public funds are used judiciously and transparently.
