The House of Representatives to Investigate Alleged Mismanagement of $232 Million Loan During Buhari’s Administration

The House of Representatives has decided to investigate the use of a $232 million World Bank loan granted during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The motion for the probe was introduced by Rep. Chike Okafor on Thursday.

Okafor explained that the loan, which was secured in 2018, was meant to enhance nutrition among youth through the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) program. The funds were allocated to nutrition initiatives in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, and Plateau states.

However, Okafor raised concerns that the funds were not effectively utilized, as malnutrition remains widespread in the targeted states despite the program’s efforts. He criticized the program’s results, referring to it as “water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink,” noting the lack of meaningful outcomes despite the substantial loan.

The lawmaker called for a summons of officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Development, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Bank, and representatives from the 12 states to provide clarifications on the program’s execution. The motion was adopted unanimously by the House.