Bukola Afeni
The recommencement of the GAVI direct funding program through the NPHCDA has been commended by the Federal Government.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire,
said the new development is a testimony to the renewed confidence in the country’s financial management system, especially on the part of the current NPHCDA management.
Recall that GAVI had stopped the funding programme in Nigeria through the NPHCDA, following unsatisfactory findings from the GAVI Programme audit in 2015.
Dr Ehanire added that the improved financial management system in NPHCDA aligns with the current government’s zero tolerance for financial mismanagement practices and anti-corruption stance.
“The Direct programme funding will lead to major advantages of streamlining the approval process to save time, cost savings and system strengthening in financial management. It is expected that GAVI and our other partners will continue to provide technical support to enable us to maximize the gains of these process transitions”, he said.
He added that the Government will on its part continue to preserve the confidence through the accountability policies put in place to enable greater transparency and closer grant monitoring and management.
“The establishment of a Grant compliance coordinating office (GCCO) in NPHCDA is a step in the right direction. The GCCO will have the responsibility of ensuring judicious utilization of all funds from government and partners provided for programmes in NPHCDA”.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said the return of direct Gavi programme funding,
is a great milestone.
“This feat symbolizes the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to combat corruption thereby providing a stable framework for governance.
” It stands as proof of accomplishments resulting from combined endeavours to establish accountability and transparency, thereby instilling trust in the systems”, he said.
He expressed optimism that the Federal Government will build a resilient and inclusive healthcare system that will meet the needs of the people.
The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib said his administration is set out to consciously improve the image of the agency through the establishment of fit-for-purpose structures aimed at checkmating the then prevalent forces of impunity and total lack of accountability.
He noted that as part of the monumental feat of addressing the loopholes in the system, the agency established a Grant Coordination and Compliance Office.
“The unit will ensure that grants and other funding support are being appropriately utilized, in line with the objectives of their infusion into the system. All program leads had to report to the Grant Compliance and Coordinating Office (GCCO) on their activities, especially as regards fund utilization.
“We also created the office of an Advisor to the ED on Accountability and Transparency in fund utilization, with the officer in this position reporting directly to the Executive Director/CEO.
“The Gavi alliance has graciously taken over the responsibility for paying the remuneration of the officer in this position, which is a welcome development, as it goes a long way towards ensuring independence for this office”, he said.
