The House of Representatives is set to commence an inquiry into the alleged mishandling of COVID-19 intervention funds spanning from 2020 to 2022.

The investigative hearings, organized by the House Public Accounts Committee, are scheduled to take place from January 17 to January 26 at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

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Bamidele Salami, the Chairman of the Public Account Committee, previously invited 59 Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to participate in the inquiry.

These MDAs, grouped into eight categories, include the Accountant-General of the Federation, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and the Rural Electrification Agency.

Other institutions summoned for the inquiry encompass the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, National Obstetric Fistula Centre in Abakaliki, numerous Federal Medical Centres, Federal University Teaching Hospitals, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospitals, the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons Offices, National Directorate of Employment, Federal Road Maintenance Agency, various federal ministries, and security agencies such as the Nigerian Airforce, Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Fire Service.

House spokesman Akin Rotimi revealed that each MDA must be represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Head of Finance, Head of Procurement, and officers knowledgeable about the expenditures of the COVID-19 Intervention Funds.

The committee expressed displeasure during its hearings at the non-compliance of some MDAs with prior invitations, warning that failure to comply may lead to resolution of issues raised against the respective offices or medical institutions.

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The decision to investigate the management of the funds was made by the House of Representatives in October 2023 following a motion sponsored by Zakaria Dauda Nyampa on the floor of the House.

Nyampa highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on global families, businesses, and economies and pointed out that reports from the Auditor-General of the Federation and other sources indicated significant misappropriation and unaccountability of COVID-19 palliatives and international donations by various MDAs.