The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into an alleged misappropriation and misapplication of the $232 million loan intended for nutrition intervention programmes in Nigeria.
The House of Representatives has directed its committees on nutrition and food security, judiciary, finance, aids, loan, and debt management to investigate an alleged mismanagement of the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) World Bank loan, valued at $232 million (approximately ₦350 billion).
The loan was intended to support nutrition programs across the country.
The resolution followed a motion by Rep. Chike Okafor (APC, Imo) during Thursday’s plenary session. The motion, titled “need to investigate the alleged mismanagement and misapplication of $232 million loan for Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) Programme”, called for an in-depth probe into the program’s financial and operational inconsistencies.
Rep. Okafor explained that the ANRiN programme, initiated in 2018, is a World Bank-funded, performance-based project aimed at addressing malnutrition in Nigeria. It seeks to improve access to quality, cost-effective nutrition services for pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five in 12 selected states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Oyo, and Plateau.
He further stated that the programme was expected to mitigate the devastating effects of malnutrition, with measurable improvements anticipated before December 2024. However, allegations of mismanagement suggest that the programme has failed to deliver its intended impact, as evidenced by worsening malnutrition rates and poor health outcomes highlighted in the recent Nigeria Demographic Health Survey 2023/2024.
Rep. Okafor described the situation as akin to “water, water everywhere, but none to drink,” criticizing the programme’s ineffectiveness despite the substantial funds allocated. He emphasised the need to address Nigeria’s declining global nutrition rankings and rising rates of stunting and malnutrition among children under five.
In a unanimous decision, the lawmakers resolved to investigate the extent of the alleged mismanagement, assess the programme’s impact, identify those responsible, and recommend measures to ensure accountability for future interventions, including a proposed $50 million funding initiative.
The House also resolved to invite key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the World Bank, and representatives from the 12 beneficiary states, to provide documentation and insights.
The committees are expected to report their findings within four weeks for further legislative action.
