- Partner Ministry to tackle corruption
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), said it has identified severe governance and accountability challenges in the health sector, particularly at the Primary Health Care (PHC) level, where pregnant women, children, and vulnerable populations are most affected.
It also noted the diversion of essential healthcare resources such as therapeutic foods, ambulances, and medical supplies, which has become a major challenge in healthcare delivery services.
Similarly, the Commission highlighted the corruptions in contracting, procurement of drugs, and payment of allowances that has significantly hindered the effectiveness of government interventions.
To this end, the Commission said it’s strengthening partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to tackle the identified loopholes particularly as regards financial management and quality service delivery.
ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, transparency, and anti-corruption mechanisms within Nigeria’s health sector.
It also formalizes a framework for collaboration between ICPC and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare with some key deliverables including a corruption risk assessment and system studies; formation of a Joint Anti-Corruption Task Team; strengthening monitoring and accountability mechanisms by deploying enhanced financial tracking systems to monitor the flow of funds to PHCs and tertiary institutions; among several others.
A statement from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare indicated that the partnership will also focus on preempting and preventing corruption in health financing; strengthening compliance with accountability measures at PHCs; ensuring that frontline health workers and facilities receive allocated funds; building a culture of ethical conduct within health institutions; among others.
The Ministry said it deliberately allocated additional resources in the 2025 budget to support anti-corruption initiatives in the sector, demonstrating its commitment to action beyond symbolic gestures.
Minister of Health, Prof. Pate, however reaffirmed the commitment to institutionalizing governance and accountability structures in the health sector, further noting that the President’s health sector agenda was built on four pillars, with governance and transparency as a foundational pillar.
He made reference to the 2021 ICPC system study on the health sector which provided insights into the fiduciary risks within key institutions. “In response, the Ministry engaged external auditors, including KPMG and Ernst & Young, to conduct institutional reviews of health agencies.
“PHC expansion is a priority, with federal resources channeled to over 7,800 PHCs across states through gateway funding mechanisms. However, past auditor reports revealed inefficiencies in fund utilization, prompting corrective measures.
“To this end, the Ministry is reforming federal health institutions to ensure fair and transparent transactions in procurement and service delivery. Despite increase in health sector financing, resources remain limited, making efficiency and governance critical.
“Addressing leakages, misallocations, and wastage will ensure that, at least, a 10 per cent efficiency gain translates into better services for Nigerians.”
The Minister stated that the MoU with the ICPC is expected to strengthen institutional capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to governance infractions before they escalate.
“We need to know that health sector governance cannot be separated from overall state capacity. The same systemic weaknesses in governance affect health institutions at both federal and sub-national levels,” he added.
The Minister was optimistic that signing of the MoU marks a watershed moment in the fight against corruption in the health sector. “Both ICPC and the Ministry of Health have demonstrated a strong commitment to accountability and good governance. The success of this collaboration will depend on sustained political will, institutional cooperation, and active public engagement.”