Reps investigate alleged Mishandling of N350bn World Bank loan

House of Representatives Launches Investigation into Mismanagement of $232 Million World Bank Loan/Nutrition Fund

The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the alleged mishandling of the N350 billion ($232 million) World Bank loan designated for the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) Programme. This action comes in response to a motion put forth by Mr. Chike Okafor, an All Progressives Congress representative from Imo State, during a plenary session on Thursday.

Launched in 2018, ANRIN is a World Bank-supported initiative aimed at addressing Nigeria’s nutritional crises by enhancing access to nutrition services for vulnerable populations, including pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five across 12 states. The programme is intended to combat malnutrition effectively, with a target completion date of December 2024.

Okafor raised concerns regarding the programme’s effectiveness, pointing out that current statistics indicate deteriorating nutritional outcomes despite its well-intentioned goals. He referenced findings from the recent Nigeria Demographic Health Survey for 2023/2024, which highlighted rising rates of stunting and malnutrition among children under five, prompting doubts about the impact of the $232 million that has been allocated.

“This programme has been likened to ‘water, water everywhere but no water to drink,’ suggesting a promising initiative that fails to deliver real solutions to Nigeria’s malnutrition issues,” Okafor stated. He emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive investigation to determine the extent of the alleged financial mismanagement, evaluate the programme’s effectiveness, and hold relevant parties accountable.

Following the motion’s approval, the House instructed the Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, Finance, Aids, Loans, and Debt Management to carry out the investigation. These committees are also responsible for reaching out to the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Bank, the 12 beneficiary states, and other relevant stakeholders for documentation and insights necessary for the inquiry.