ICPC to strengthen accountability, transparency in health ministry

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to strengthen accountability, transparency, and anti-corruption mechanisms in the health sector.

The partnership will focus on pre-empting and preventing corruption in health financing, strengthening compliance with accountability measures at Primary Health Care (PHC), ensuring that frontline health workers and facilities receive allocated funds, as well as building a culture of ethical conduct within health institutions.

ICPC noted that the “Engendering Corruption-Free Primary Health Care Delivery in Nigeria” dialogue organised last year, underscored the deep-seated challenges of corruption in the health sector and the need for a structured approach to mitigating its effects.

Speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliyu, said that the health sector is critical to national development and requires transparent and efficient resource management to deliver quality services.

He noted that the ICPC has identified severe governance and accountability challenges in the health sector, particularly at the PHC level, where pregnant women, children, and vulnerable populations are most affected.

Aliyu stated that the diversion of essential healthcare resources, such as therapeutic foods, ambulances, and medical supplies, remains a major issue. He added that corruption in contracting, procurement of drugs, and payment of allowances has hindered the effectiveness of government interventions.

He observed that the MoU is a significant step in strengthening accountability and ensuring the judicious use of public resources in the health sector.

Aliyu said that the National Anti-Corruption Strategy provides a framework for preventing and addressing corruption in public institutions and the health sector is a priority area under this initiative.

He noted that the ICPC has deployed state-level officers to work closely with the ministry in ensuring accountability at all levels of healthcare delivery, and capacity-building efforts will be undertaken to strengthen oversight functions, as well as prevent fraudulent activities before they occur.

On his part, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to institutionalising governance and accountability structures in the health sector.

He observed that PHC expansion is a priority, with federal resources channelled to over 7,800 PHCs across states through gateway funding mechanisms, however, past auditor reports revealed inefficiencies in fund utilization, prompting corrective measures.

According to him, the ministry has allocated additional resources in the 2025 budget to support anti-corruption initiatives in the sector, demonstrating its commitment to action beyond symbolic gestures.

Pate noted that the ministry is reforming federal health institutions to ensure fair and transparent transactions in procurement and service delivery.

He said: “Despite an increase in health sector financing, resources remain limited, making efficiency and governance critical. Addressing leakages, misallocations, and wastage will ensure that even a 10 per cent efficiency gain translates into better services for Nigerians.”

The minister noted that the MoU is expected to strengthen institutional capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to governance infractions before they escalate.