Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the Federal Government against mismanaging the $1.07 billion allocated to the health sector in the 2025 budget, referencing past incidents where public funds were allegedly “swallowed” by animals such as snakes, monkeys, termites, and gorillas.
In a statement on Sunday, Atiku called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensure transparency in the allocation and disbursement of the intervention fund. He emphasized that every kobo must be accounted for to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“In recent years, we have heard bizarre claims of animals being blamed for missing public funds. Many of these outrageous allegations were neither investigated nor punished to serve as deterrents,” Atiku said.
He stressed the urgency of accountability, particularly given Nigeria’s dwindling resources and reduced external support for healthcare services. He urged the government to establish strict auditing mechanisms to ensure proper use of the funds.
Atiku also criticized the lack of a clear framework outlining how the over $1 billion allocation would be spent in the primary healthcare sector. He argued that while investment in healthcare is crucial, Nigerians deserve full disclosure on the disbursement of such significant funds.
“We have read reports that the Federal Government plans to spend $1.07 billion in the primary health sector, in addition to the N2.48 trillion earlier proposed for the health sector in the draft budget. Nigerians deserve transparency regarding these loans and a clear policy framework explaining how the funds will be utilized,” he stated.
