Exposing the COVID-19 Fund Embezzlers

Editorial Board

The emerging suspicion of embezzlement of intervention funds meant to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic is a clear indication of the need for a full investigation into how the huge resources allocated to the scourge were used. The irregularities discovered so far could be one of the reasons why many Nigerians felt betrayed by the inadequate government response, and perhaps why some lives were lost. A full investigation is needed to unravel the whole saga and hold erring government officials to account. It is equally important that in future, the official response to emergencies and life-threatening natural disasters is upgraded in the best interest of Nigerians.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recently discovered that about $10 billion naira meant for the development of COVID-19 vaccines is still sitting in the accounts of government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), about three years after the intervention. Indeed, the ICPC had set up teams or monitoring groups to track the disbursement of $3.4 billion in International Monetary Fund (IMF) COVID-19 interventions by about nine government MDAs from the time of disbursement to the time of use. And the commission discovered that over $100 million naira meant for Wi-Fi was deposited into one of the personal accounts of an MDA employee.

Amidst these anomalies, the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Deinde Dipeolu, has issued an order directing and compelling the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Mrs. Sadia Umar-Farouk, to make public details of how N729 billion in palliative funds was allegedly disbursed to 24.3 million poor Nigerians over six months.

The move follows a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which simply reflects Nigerians’ dissatisfaction with the way the huge money was spent with little impact on the public.

It is disheartening that funds meant for the care and welfare of the sick, the socially displaced, pensioners, prisoners, the hungry and the poor are routinely embezzled or mismanaged by corrupt officials. Last year, the House of Representatives mandated its Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the misappropriation of N183.9 billion COVID-19 intervention funds. In view of the disruption of economic, social, political and cultural activities during the latest COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government has initiated several programmes, policies and interventions to combat the pandemic, alleviate the suffering of the people and stimulate the economies of families, small businesses and government enterprises. One such measure was the allocation of over N183.9 billion as COVID-19 intervention fund through the federal budget. The mishandling of the funds shows how inhuman some officials can be. How can a government employee stoop to the low level of stealing money meant for the sick, the poor, the socially displaced and COVID-19 victims?

During the last COVID-19 pandemic, many Nigerians died in various COVID isolation centres in the country due to lack of basic oxygen. Others, especially the elderly who were vulnerable or in need of critical medical attention, died because they could not access basic healthcare, again due to corruption by government officials. Nigerians will not soon forget how COVID palliatives supplied by the government for free distribution to vulnerable and needy Nigerians were diverted and stored in private warehouses by some greedy individuals for their commercial gains. It is ridiculous that while COVID was ravaging Nigeria, the staggering sum of N183.9 billion in COVID-19 intervention funds at that time was mismanaged by various government ministries, departments and agencies.

This COVID-19 systemic fraud undermined efforts to stop the devastating effects of the disease and the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria. The pandemic exposed weaknesses in the health system, such as inadequate infrastructure and resources. Most hospitals and healthcare facilities were overwhelmed, with shortages of medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and healthcare workers. Apart from the lockdown, which brought immense hardship to many Nigerian families, the pandemic caused significant economic disruption. Many businesses closed or scaled down operations, leading to job losses and reduced income for many Nigerians. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound and multifaceted impact, causing mental stress and anxiety, affecting health, the economy, and social and family structures. It is pathetic that while many Nigerians were dying and suffering from COVID, some greedy individuals were busy embezzling the COVID intervention funds.

The Federal Government must adopt a multi-faceted approach to ensure accountability for COVID intervention funds, recover stolen funds, prosecute all those accused of theft of COVID intervention funds and prevent future instances of such theft. First, government must conduct thorough and independent investigations to identify those responsible and prosecute them in accordance with the law. Government must strengthen anti-corruption institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC and ensure transparency in the allocation and use of government funds.
Every minister, in or out of office; or any other public servant, individual or group involved in fraudulent or corrupt practices must be held accountable. It is unconscionable and a grave betrayal of public trust for a debt and deficit country to allow its ministers to ignore the embezzlement of public funds. Public office holders took an oath to serve the Nigerian people. It is a great paradox that the same public office holders are lining their pockets by stealing public funds. It shows that they are utterly insensitive to the plight of suffering Nigerians.

The government should encourage whistleblowers to report routine corruption and theft of public funds by providing robust legal protections and incentives to whistleblowers. The Tinubu government should involve civil society organizations and anti-corruption NGOs in monitoring and reporting on the use of public funds. More importantly, more efforts should be made to enforce existing laws and policies to deter those who contemplate theft of public funds.

By taking these steps, the government can demonstrate its commitment to combating corruption, restoring public trust and ensuring that public funds intended for the public good are used effectively and transparently.