Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the Nigerian Government against mismanaging the $1.07 billion allocated to the health sector in the 2025 budget. Atiku warned that the funds must not suffer the same fate as public funds allegedly lost to animals in past scandals, referencing bizarre claims in Nigeria’s history where snakes, monkeys, termites, and gorillas were blamed for missing public funds .
Atiku emphasized the importance of transparency and public accountability in the spending of the $1.07 billion earmarked for healthcare, particularly in the primary health sector. He criticized the government for failing to provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be utilized, insisting that it would be “immoral” for the government to withhold such critical financial information from the public.
The $1.07 billion allocation is in addition to the N2.48 trillion initially proposed for the health sector in the 2025 budget. Atiku expressed concern over the sources of the additional funds, which were mainly sourced through foreign loans and international aid.
Atiku further warned that the failure of the Federal Government to commit to a single physical infrastructure project in expending the budgetary provision “smacks of fraud.” He urged the government to provide a comprehensive framework to safeguard its investment in the health sector and subject the appropriations to the scrutiny of the National Assembly.
The former Vice President’s warnings come amidst concerns over Nigeria’s healthcare system, which struggles with chronic issues like power shortages in hospitals and inadequate medical supplies. Atiku emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, particularly in the health sector.
