Ministry, ICPC strike deal to check graft in health sector

Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, has identified contract and procurement fraud as a major bane bedevilling the nation’s health sector.

He disclosed this during the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), titled “Implementation of Preventive Corruption Measures in Nigeria’s Health Sector”, in Abuja.

Aliyu said the pact between the commission and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) would guarantee efficient and transparent use of resources for the well-being of Nigerians.

Citing previous successes in recovering funds, vehicles, and medical supplies meant for public healthcare services, the ICPC boss pointed out that contracts and procurement processes have often been exploited by unscrupulous actors to siphon public funds.

Aliyu explained that the agreement is to alleviate healthcare burdens by vulnerable groups in Nigeria, adding: “ICPC has identified the challenges plaguing primary healthcare delivery, particularly affecting the poor and children. These are areas where we intend to focus our efforts.”

Aliyu described the collaboration as a significant step towards achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, emphasising the importance of proper resource management in the health sector.

While reaffirming the commission’s commitment to investigating corrupt practices, recovering stolen assets, and holding perpetrators accountable in the country, the ICPC helmsman assured the Minister of Health that his agency’s extensive network would closely monitor the use of healthcare resources nationwide.
He also stressed the need to leverage the expertise of the ministry to check misappropriation.

Minister of Health m Ministry’s dedication to the objectives of the MoU in combating corruption within the health sector. He commended the efforts of the joint task force, describing the agreement as evidence of its positive impact.

The minister stated the health sector plays a vital role in the well-being of Nigerians and is crucial for allocated resources to be maximised effectively.

“As long as we continue to strive for improvement, this country will keep making progress,” he remarked. Pate underscored the importance of integrity in resource distribution, warning that healthcare delivery would be compromised if frontline workers do not receive the necessary support.