The Federal Government has taken a decisive step toward tackling corruption in the health sector by formalizing a partnership between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
This collaboration, cemented through a memorandum of understanding signed in Abuja on Tuesday, is designed to strengthen transparency, curb financial mismanagement, and ensure that health resources are effectively utilized.
The signing ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, senior government officials, and development partners.
Addressing the gathering, Aliyu underscored the detrimental impact of corruption on Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly at the primary healthcare level, where millions depend on essential services.
He noted that fraudulent procurement practices, contract fraud, and mismanagement of health funds have significantly weakened service delivery.
“The diversion of critical resources such as medical supplies, therapeutic foods, and ambulances continues to hinder healthcare delivery. This partnership is a proactive step to enforce accountability and ensure that government resources reach those in need,” Aliyu stated.
To combat these challenges, ICPC has positioned officers at the state level to collaborate with the Health Ministry in monitoring public health funds and preventing fraudulent activities before they take root.
On his part, Pate reaffirmed that governance and transparency remain at the heart of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for the health sector.
“The ministry has engaged independent auditors, including KPMG and Ernst & Young, to review financial management in key health agencies. Expanding PHC funding to 7,800 facilities nationwide will ensure efficient resource utilisation,” he explained.
He emphasized that plugging financial leakages could yield substantial improvements in healthcare delivery, adding that even a modest increase in efficiency could create a significant impact.
“The fight against corruption in the health sector is not just about enforcement but also about building systems that prevent fraud from happening,” Pate remarked.
The MoU outlines a series of anti-corruption strategies, including the formation of a Joint Anti-Corruption Task Team to oversee compliance, conduct audits, and track financial activities.
It also establishes whistleblower mechanisms for real-time reporting of financial misconduct, public transparency dashboards to monitor health budget allocations and expenditures, and specialized training for health workers on ethics and public finance management.
A comprehensive corruption risk assessment will be carried out within three months, alongside a public awareness campaign to educate stakeholders on the initiative’s objectives.
Both parties emphasized that the success of this initiative will depend on sustained political commitment, institutional collaboration, and active public participation.
By implementing robust oversight measures, Nigeria is poised to develop a more transparent, efficient, and accountable healthcare system that truly serves its people.
