Rt. Hon. Amobi Ogah Urges Stronger Oversight and Collaboration at CCM Nigeria Annual Retreat
The Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria Control, Rt. Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, has called for enhanced transparency and parliamentary oversight in the management and disbursement of Global Fund resources in Nigeria.
Speaking during the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Nigeria Annual Retreat and inauguration of reconstituted members held from July 1–3, 2025, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Ogah emphasized the critical need for stronger collaboration between CCM Nigeria and the National Assembly
“These Funds Belong to Nigerians”
In his keynote address, Hon. Ogah commended the CCM for extending invitations to lawmakers, describing the retreat as a “watershed moment” in the country’s efforts to achieve universal health coverage. However, he stressed that Nigerian citizens deserve to know how donor resources are utilized.
“We in Parliament have resolved that these funds must be managed and disbursed by the constituted body responsible—CCM Nigeria—for proper oversight,” he declared.
Ogah disclosed that a past investigation by the Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM) revealed disturbing lapses among some Global Fund recipients, including unverifiable office addresses and lack of cooperation with lawmakers.
“Many Nigerians see CCM Nigeria’s operations as that of a secret coven. It is in CCM’s interest to open up their processes to legislative scrutiny,” he added.
Suspension of U.S. Funding: A Wake-Up Call
Referencing the U.S. government’s recent suspension of health funding to African nations, Ogah said the development vindicates earlier calls by his committee for increased domestic funding to address public health threats.
“We were like a lone voice in the wilderness,” he recalled. “Today, we are happy our advocacy led to the Nigerian government committing about $200 million towards the fight against HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria.”
Malaria Control: “A National Embarrassment”
Ogah criticized Nigeria’s malaria program, lamenting that the disease continues to claim lives and impoverish millions, yet key program managers appear inactive.
“We moved a motion for a baseline survey of fake anti-malaria medicines across the six geo-political zones. The initiative stalled because major malaria stakeholders failed to collaborate with us,” he revealed.
He called for free malaria treatment at all primary healthcare centers and stressed that parliament would continue to hold public health agencies accountable.
TB Response: A Model for Collaboration
In contrast, Ogah praised stakeholders in the fight against Tuberculosis for their willingness to engage with parliament and drive progress.
“Our partnership with TB actors has been fruitful,” he said. “Last year, we hosted African parliamentarians from the Global TB Caucus. Today, the TB Anti-Discrimination Bill has passed first reading in the House.”
He also highlighted a successful collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Stop TB Partnership Nigeria, leading to the re-launch of the Nigeria TB Parliamentary Caucus.
Call for Parliamentary Representation on CCM Board
Ogah reiterated the need for a parliamentary seat on the CCM Nigeria board to bridge existing communication gaps and foster alignment.
“We are curious to understand how CCM Nigeria manages and disburses Global Fund resources. These funds belong to Nigeria, and CCM must be accountable,” he said.
In closing, he invoked a local Igbo proverb:
“Osita dinma”—From today, it will be well. I say to us: from today, it is already well for Nigeria.”
Looking Ahead: A Renewed Commitment to Health Governance
The House Committee on ATM, Ogah assured, remains committed to fostering a results-driven partnership with all stakeholders to ensure donor funds are deployed efficiently and transparently, for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“What is worth doing is worth doing well,” he concluded. “We will hold every agency under our purview accountable. The time for secrecy is over; this is the era of results and responsibility.”
By Mayowa Adeniran |
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