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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the Federal Government against the mismanagement of health sector funds in the 2025 budget, warning that it must not fall victim to the bizarre claims of public funds being swallowed by animals such as snakes, termites, gorillas, and monkeys.
Atiku Abubakar, in a Sunday statement, pressed for greater transparency from the Tinubu administration regarding the intervention fund’s disbursement. He emphasized that accountability is non-negotiable, as every kobo must be channeled towards strengthening Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system.
He said, “In recent years, there have been bizarre claims of animals being held accountable for missing public funds. Some of these fairytale-like claims were never investigated or punished to deter future offenders.
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“Against the backdrop of dwindling resources that has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of support in certain areas of our healthcare services, it is important that every kobo budgeted for the health sector has to be maximally utilised.
He pointed out that although increased healthcare investment is key to ensuring better access to quality services, the government must not neglect its duty to disclose exactly how the funds will be used.
“We have read that the Federal Government plans to expend a whopping $1.07bn in the primary health sector. This amount is in addition to the N2.48tn earlier proposed for the health sector in the initial budget draft.
“Nigerians deserve to know the details of these loans and how the funds will be spent. The budget should be accompanied by a clear policy framework explaining its disbursement,” he added.
