The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council and Ancillary Services has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the 2023 budget performance of the FCT Department of Primary Healthcare.
During an oversight visit, the Committee noted inconsistencies in the agency’s financial report and demanded a full reconciliation of all relevant documents within seven days. It also instructed the agency to submit a detailed nominal roll and addresses of all 270 Primary Healthcare Centres in the FCT.
Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Peter Akpanke, did not hold back in his criticism:
“I’m not satisfied with your budget performance. As a healthcare agency, you should be proactive in addressing critical health issues.”
While the agency requested increased funding, the Committee insisted that efficiency and accountability must first be improved to justify any budgetary increase.
The lawmakers also called for better welfare packages for corps members working in the sector to encourage their contributions to primary healthcare services.
Budget Discrepancies & Lack of Inventory
Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Ruqayya Wamakko, revealed that the agency operates on an overhead cost of N4.8 million. She admitted that upon assuming office six months ago, she found no proper inventory in place and has since been working to improve office conditions.
“There was no inventory when I came,” Dr. Wamakko said, adding that the agency has about 300 staff members, with nine senior management officials occupying the administrative block. She further appealed for increased funding to support community immunization campaigns.
Budget Allocation Concerns
The Committee’s probe extended to the FCT Area Council Service Commission, where they uncovered that the approved budget was not directly released to the agency. Expressing frustration, lawmakers directed the Clerk to write to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for an explanation of this indirect disbursement process.
Acting Administrative Secretary of the FCT Area Councils Service Commission, Mrs. Eunice Yakubu, disclosed that while N250 million was approved for overhead costs, only N240 million was actually released. She explained that the agency does not receive direct funding and must apply to the FCDA for disbursements.
Recruitment & Pension Concerns
The Committee also criticized the agency for failing to comply with the federal character principle in its recruitment process, revealing that the last hiring exercise was conducted in 2008.
During a separate oversight visit to the FCT Area Council Pension Board, Director Suleiman Abdulrahman raised concerns over unpaid pensions, leaving retirees struggling. Lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for timely pension payments and improved budget implementation across all FCT agencies.
With glaring inefficiencies and budget discrepancies exposed, the Committee vowed to hold the agencies accountable, ensuring transparency and improved service delivery for the residents of the FCT.
