Reps to investigate alleged mismanagement of N350bn World Bank loan

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged mismanagement of the N350bn ($232 million) World Bank loan allocated to the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRIN) Programme.

This decision follows the adoption of a motion sponsored by an All Progressives Congress lawmaker from Imo State, Mr Chike Okafor, during Thursday’s plenary session.

ANRIN is a World Bank-funded initiative aimed at tackling Nigeria’s nutritional challenges by improving access to nutrition services for vulnerable groups, including pregnant and lactating women, adolescent girls, and children under five in 12 Nigerian states.

The programme was launched in 2018, with the goal of addressing malnutrition before the target date of December 2024.

Okafor expressed concerns that the programme, despite its noble objectives, has been ineffective, noting that reports and current statistics point to worsening nutritional outcomes.

He cited the recent Nigeria Demographic Health Survey 2023/2024, which indicated increased stunting and malnutrition rates among children under five, raising questions about the impact of the $232 million spent.

“This programme has been described as ‘water, water everywhere but no water to drink,’ a beautiful initiative that promises to solve Nigeria’s malnutrition problems, yet its outcomes have been largely ineffective,” Okafor said.

He further stressed the need for a thorough investigation to assess the extent of the alleged mismanagement of funds, evaluate the programme’s impact, and ensure accountability.

With the motion passed, the House has directed the Committees on Nutrition and Food Security, Finance, Aids, Loans, and Debt Management to conduct the investigation.

These committees are also tasked with inviting the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, World Bank, the 12 beneficiary states, and other relevant stakeholders to provide the necessary documentation and insights.