The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has asked the Federal Government to reveal to the public how funds earmarked for the war against the coronavirus pandemic have been spent.
In particular, the organisation tasked the government to publish weekly reports on how its agencies have been spending monies donated by corporate organisations and individuals.
In two Freedom of Information (FOI) requests directed to the Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Iheakweazu, and the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, SERAP said:
“We are concerned about the lack of transparency in the use of the funds and resources being mobilised to combat Coronavirus, amid problems accessing the NCDC’s website, and reports that authorities are prioritising home testing of politicians, with some reportedly taking multiple tests.”
In the FoI requests dated 27 March 2020, signed by the anti-corruption NGO’s Deputy Director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP wanted the Federal Government to divulge every information on the quantum of tests carried out so far.
“Disclose information on the exact number of tests that have been carried out for high-ranking public officials and politicians, the number of any such high-ranking public officials and politicians now in self-isolation or quarantine, as well as the exact number of tests that have been carried out for the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people,” the body continued.
“Politicians engaging in multiple tests for Coronavirus have in turn slowed the number of tests for the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
“We are concerned that lack of transparency in the use of the funds and resources to combat COVID-19 would lead to diversion or mismanagement of resources, unnecessarily cost lives, and result in serious damage to public health in the country.”
The organisation also appealed: “We urge you to disclose the level of enforcement for home quarantine system for high-ranking public officials, politicians and the wealthy, and whether the Ministry of Health and NCDC are carrying out spot checks to ensure strict compliance by these people.
“We would be grateful if the requested information is provided to us within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions under the Freedom of Information Act to compel you to comply with our request.”
