The House of Representatives has set a 72-hour deadline for the submission of a detailed report on the utilization of the N100 billion COVID-19 intervention funds, which were approved and disbursed by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to various ministries, departments, and agencies between 2020 and 2022.

The ultimatum was issued to the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, who had previously failed to comply with the committee’s resolution to present the report on October 27, 2023.

ALSO READ: Finance minister, AGF, Accountant General summoned over alleged $2.4 billion crude oil fraud probe

Bamidele Salam, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, expressed his frustration over the AGF’s non-compliance with the committee’s request to furnish details of all disbursements, including those related to COVID-19 interventions, as per the Appropriation Act.

Salam clarified that the committee had been tasked with investigating the “expenditure incurred under the COVID-19 interventions, especially in the year 2020 and up to 2022.”

In light of the situation, Salam directed the AGF to ensure the report is submitted before the close of business on Friday, November 3, 2023.

The House resolution came about in response to a motion titled ‘Alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 intervention funds from 2020 to 2022.’

The motion emphasized the critical role played by lawmakers in unveiling instances of corruption in the use of public funds. It further lamented that the COVID-19 pandemic had led to the loss of lives, jobs, and economic opportunities for countless individuals worldwide, including Nigerians.

The motion also noted that the Nigerian government had initiated several measures, including budgetary provisions and financial assistance from international donor agencies, to combat the pandemic.

ALSO READ: Accountant and mother face charges in N1 billion, $975,102 fraud case

These measures included an appropriation of N83.9 billion for the COVID-19 response in the 2020 Appropriation Act, as well as over N100 billion in intervention funds through supplementary budgets and contributions from international donor agencies.

The House expressed concern over the Auditor-General’s report and other sources revealing the diversion and lack of accountability of substantial funds earmarked for COVID-19 relief and international donations by various government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.