FG pledges to combat corruption, as GAVI resumes programme funding

The federal government said the re-commencement of Direct GAVI Programme Funding through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), stands as proof of its established accountability and transparency. 

GAVI had stopped funding programme in Nigeria through the NPHCDA funding following unsatisfactory findings from GAVI Programme audit in 2015.

Speaking at the official re-commencement of direct GAVI programme funding through NPHCDA in Abuja on Thursday, the Secretary to the government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said a central pillar of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has been the fight against corruption.

He said, “One of our main objectives has been to change the narrative surrounding accountability in the management of resources within all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Therefore, today, as we commemorate the return of direct GAVI programme funding, let us recognize that this symbolizes the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to combat corruption thereby providing a stable framework for governance.

According to him, “Today therefore marks a momentous occasion as we gather here to celebrate the official re-commencement of direct GAVI programme funding through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). This stands as proof of the accomplishments resulting from our combined endeavours to establish accountability and transparency, thereby instilling trust in our systems.

Mr. Mustapha, express  however appreciation to all stakeholders involved in this milestone achievement, especially the sterling management team and staff of the NPHCDA led by Dr Faisal Shuaib as well as the Nigerian people whose support and dedication have been instrumental in our anti-corruption drive.

Also, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, explained that the recommencement of direct funding is a testimony to the renewed confidence in the country’s financial management system especially on the part of the current NPHCDA management.

 He said the improved financial management system in NPHCDA aligns with the current government’s zero tolerance for financial mismanagement practices and anti-corruption stance. “As the supervising Minister therefore, I am especially proud of NPHCDA’s achievement.

Dr. Ehanire explained that direct programme funding will lead to major advantages of streamlining of approval process to save time, cost savings and system strengthening in financial management. “However, it is expected that GAVI and our other partners will continue to provide technical support to enable us to maximize the gains of these process transition.

 “At this juncture, I wish to extend the Federal Government’s appreciation to GAVI for this renewed confidence in the leadership of Nigeria’s health sector. The Government will on its part continue to preserve the confidence through the accountability policies put in place to enable greater transparency and closer grant monitoring and management.

“The establishment of a Grant compliance coordinating office (GCCO) in NPHCDA is a step in the right direction.  The GCCO will have the responsibility of ensuring judicious utilization of all funds from government and partners provided for programmes in NPHCDA”, he said.

 The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, said the re-commencement of direct GAVI programme funding through NPHCDA said the spectre of misused GAVI funds still hung over the Agency, leading to GAVI’S stoppage of direct funds disbursement to NPHCDA for programme implementation.

“Funds had to be disbursed through development partners for activities approved for NPHCDA to implement. This hurt the system, and apart from the fact that part of the funds went for payment of Procurement Service Charges (PSC), there were avoidable delays in the approval processes of our development partners for utilization of the funds. Some of the approval bottlenecks were due to a misalignment of the Federal Government of Nigeria and implementing partners’ priorities, which did not bode well for the country’s goals and aspirations.          

According to him, “ Apart from ensuring that every naira of the misused funds were paid back, this administration set out to consciously improve the image of the agency through establishment of fit-for-purpose structures aimed at checkmating the then prevalent forces of impunity and total lack of accountability.

“The structures so established included a Grant Coordination and Compliance Office, which had the responsibility of ensuring that grants and other funding support are being appropriately utilized, in line with the objectives of their infusion into the system. All program leads had to report to the Grant Compliance and Coordinating Office (GCCO) on their activities especially as regards fund.

“The Gavi team will be glad to know that we have taken decisive steps to strengthen the GCCO, through an infusion of more technically sound NPHCDA staff who have also demonstrated a high level of dedication to duty and a high sense of probity in the discharge of those duties. We have no doubt that Gavi will be willing to provide the necessary support to continually build the capacity of all relevant NPHCDA staff in accountability, transparency and in the management of Government and donor funds.”