Atiku Cautions FG Against Mismanagement of $1.07bn Health Funds

 Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to ensure transparency in the disbursement of the $1.07 billion earmarked for the health sector in the 2025 budget. 

He warned against financial mismanagement, referencing past cases where government officials claimed public funds were mysteriously lost to animals such as snakes, termites, gorillas, and monkeys.

In a statement released on Sunday, Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to establish clear accountability measures to ensure that every kobo of the intervention fund is directed toward strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“There have been bizarre claims of animals swallowing public funds in recent years, yet many of these incidents were neither investigated nor punished. Given our dwindling resources and the reduction in external healthcare funding, it is imperative that the government ensures maximum utilization of the budgeted health funds,” Atiku stated.

He further criticized the lack of a concrete framework detailing how the allocated funds would be spent, emphasizing the need for a transparent policy document outlining the disbursement strategy.

Atiku also noted that beyond the $1.07 billion, an additional N2.48 trillion had been previously proposed for the health sector in the initial draft of the 2025 budget. He insisted that Nigerians deserve full disclosure of how these funds will be utilized to improve healthcare services across the country.