The Federal Government has taken a major step toward curbing corruption in the health sector with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. This strategic partnership aims to enhance transparency, prevent financial mismanagement, and ensure the efficient allocation of health resources.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday in Abuja, was attended by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate; ICPC chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, senior government officials and development partners.
Speaking at the signing, Aliyu highlighted how corruption in procurement, contract fraud, and mismanagement of health funds had weakened Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly at the primary health care (PHC) level, where millions rely on essential services.
“The diversion of critical resources such as medical supplies, therapeutic foods, and ambulances continues to hinder healthcare delivery. This partnership is a proactive step to enforce accountability and ensure that government resources reach those in need,” he said.
Aliyu further disclosed that ICPC has deployed officers at the state level to work closely with the Health Ministry in monitoring public health funds and preventing fraud before it occurs.
Pate, in his remarks, reaffirmed that governance and transparency are core pillars of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for the health sector.
“The ministry has engaged independent auditors, including KPMG and Ernst & Young, to review financial management in key health agencies. Expanding PHC funding to 7,800 facilities nationwide will ensure efficient resource utilisation,” he stated.
He emphasised that eliminating financial leakages could significantly improve healthcare service delivery, stating that even a 10 per cent improvement in efficiency would have a major impact.
“The fight against corruption in the health sector is not just about enforcement but also about building systems that prevent fraud from happening,” he added.
The MoU outlines several anti-corruption initiatives, including a Joint Anti-Corruption Task Team to oversee compliance, audits and financial tracking; Whistleblower mechanisms to allow real-time reporting of financial irregularities, public transparency dashboards to track health budget allocations and expenditures and capacity-building programmes for health workers on ethics and public finance management.
As part of the agreement, an initial corruption risk assessment will be conducted within three months, alongside a public awareness campaign to educate stakeholders on the initiative.
Both parties emphasised that sustained political will, institutional cooperation and public engagement are crucial to the success of the initiative.
With stronger oversight mechanisms in place, Nigeria aims to build a more transparent, efficient and accountable health system that serves its citizens effectively.
