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Reps Probe $4.6bn Health Grants, Demand Oversight of HIV, Malaria Funds

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The House of Representatives Committee on Infectious Diseases has intensified its investigation into the utilisation of about $4.6 billion in donor-funded health grants, calling for stricter oversight and improved coordination among implementing organisations.

The funds, sourced largely from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development, were disbursed between 2021 and 2025 to support Nigeria’s response to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other infectious diseases.

Chairman of the committee, Amobi Ogah, made the position known on Sunday in Abuja during an oversight visit to key grant recipients, including the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Family Health International and Catholic Relief Services.

Ogah, while commending the organisations for their contributions to disease control, stressed that tighter monitoring mechanisms would now be enforced to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money.

“It is imperative that every mobilised resource must be judiciously expended and accounted for. Therefore, the committee is charging all Global Fund recipients to sit up, as it will no longer be business as usual,” he said.

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He added that all implementing partners would henceforth be required to submit their programme plans directly to the National Assembly for approval, alongside quarterly reports detailing their activities.

“To this end, all recipients of Global Fund grants and sub-recipients are to submit their implementation plans to the parliament for approval, in addition to quarterly reports, so that strict adherence to transparency and accountability can be ensured,” Ogah stated.

Nigeria remains one of the largest beneficiaries of Global Fund support globally, receiving billions of dollars over the years to combat major public health challenges. The country currently has the second-largest HIV burden worldwide, while malaria continues to be a leading cause of death, particularly among children under five.

At the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Dakum, described the committee’s visit as timely, noting that it provided an opportunity to highlight both achievements and gaps in programme implementation.

A presentation by Dr Adetiba Temitope revealed that the institute received about $359.4 million from the Global Fund between 2021 and 2026, with an additional $170.96 million expected. He noted that procurement processes were largely handled directly by the Global Fund through approved vendors.

At Catholic Relief Services, Country Representative, Akim Kikonda, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to accountability and transparency, pledging continued collaboration with the National Assembly.

Similarly, Victor Ogbodo of Family Health International said the engagement underscored the importance of synergy between lawmakers, implementing partners and other stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria’s response to infectious diseases.

FHI 360 disclosed that it received $290.44 million between January 2021 and December 2023, disbursing $223.99 million before the programme ended, while Catholic Relief Services reported receiving $74.784 million within the review period.

As part of the ongoing probe, the committee has directed all beneficiary organisations to submit detailed financial records, including bank statements and procurement documents, signalling a more assertive legislative approach to monitoring donor-funded interventions.

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NNPC Confirms Gas Supply & Network Availability

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NNPC Limited confirms that gas transportation network operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC), remains available to support deliveries to power generating stations Nationwide without any constraints. NGIC’s operational records do not indicate transportation-related constraints within its network that explain the current decline in electricity generation.

NNPC Limited is focussed on actualizing the Federal Government’s gas development and monetization agenda which has led to about 10% growth in gas production volumes 2026 year to date. Gas supply availability is therefore not a challenge as NNPC remains committed to supporting efforts to improve electricity generation through safe, reliable and efficient gas supply and transportation.

This clarification follows the Nigerian Independent System Operator’s (NISO) statement of 5 November 2026, which cited limited gas availability and reduced water inflows to hydroelectric stations as causes of lower generation. NNPC Limited’s clarification concerns the operational status of NGIC’s transportation network. Gas production, commercial supply arrangements and actual deliveries to individual power plants must be assessed separately from the availability of transportation infrastructure.

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A comprehensive assessment must also consider the availability and operational readiness of generating units, plant maintenance schedules and actual gas offtake. These factors determine whether gas supplied can be converted into electricity. They should be verified alongside gas supply data to establish the causes of the shortfall.

NNPC Limited supports a coordinated review of operational data by gas suppliers, transporters, power generators and NISO to identify specific constraints and guide effective interventions. Accurate reporting across the gas-to-power value chain is essential to resolving the challenges and sustaining public confidence.

Our focus remains on dependable energy infrastructure and constructive collaboration that helps translate Nigeria’s gas resources into more reliable electricity for Nigerians.

Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited
Abuja

6 November 2026

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Kano Task Force Seizes 3.18m Pregabalin Capsules After Rapid Response Squad Launch

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Barely 24 hours after the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, commissioned the Rapid Response Squad, the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has seized approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin in the Sabon Gari area of Kano.

The seizure followed credible intelligence received through one of the reporting platforms linked to the Task Force Command and Call Centre, just hours after the Rapid Response Squad was officially launched by the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Squad identified and searched a residential apartment at No. 13 Apple Avenue, Normansland, Sabon Gari, in Fagge Local Government Area, which was suspected to be used for illicit activities.

During the operation, the operatives recovered approximately 3,180,000 capsules suspected to be Pregabalin and arrested a 34-year-old man identified as Gregory Ogbuji.

The suspect, who is suspected to be associated with SEEMARK PHARMA LTD, registered under number 2012546, has been charged under Section 249 of the Penal Code. Another suspect allegedly connected to the operation is currently at large.

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The Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, Esq., described the seizure as a significant early result of the Rapid Response Squad, stressing that it demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and effective communication between the public and law enforcement agencies.

According to the Task Force, Pregabalin has emerged as one of the most widely abused drugs in Kano State. Its operational experience indicates that approximately eight out of every 10 drug-related operations involve suspects dependent on or abusing Pregabalin.

The Task Force described the development as a serious public health and security concern, stressing that sustained enforcement, public vigilance and community cooperation would be critical to tackling the growing challenge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.

The latest operation is one of the first major outcomes of the investment in establishing and equipping the Rapid Response Squad, which was designed to provide a coordinated and rapid response to reports of drug abuse, illicit trafficking, thuggery and other related crimes.

The Chairman warned individuals and groups involved in the illicit drug trade to desist, assuring residents that the Task Force would continue to take firm action against offenders without fear or favour.

He also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their prayers, cooperation and continued support, urging residents to make full use of the Task Force’s reporting platforms and Command and Call Centre to provide credible information on suspected drug abuse, trafficking, thuggery and other criminal activities.

He said the cooperation of residents remained essential to strengthening public safety and advancing the state government’s “Kano First” agenda.

Signed:
Lamara Garba, mnipr
Secretary, Media and Publicity Committee
Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Traficking.

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Former Kano NUJ Chairman Abbas Ibrahim Loses Mother at 91

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Hajiya Binta Ibrahim, mother of former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council, Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, has died at the age of 91.

Hajiya Binta died on Friday, November 6, 2026, following a protracted illness.

The deceased was the mother of Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, who also served as the Labour Party’s Deputy Governorship Candidate in Kano State during the 2023 general elections.

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Among her surviving children are Salamatu Saminu, a retired Director in the Kano State Government; Halima Ibrahim; and Comrade Abbas Ibrahim.

The funeral prayer for the deceased is scheduled to hold on Friday, November 6, at Sahaba, Kundila, Kano, immediately after the Juma’at prayer.

Her death is a loss to her family, relatives and associates, who will remember her for the years she spent nurturing her children and contributing to the growth of her family.

May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her soul eternal rest and admit her into Jannatul Firdaus. Amin.

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