Highlight

Reps investigate Yaba Psychiatric Hospital’s N422.3m contracts, N50.3m training expenses

348

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has requested the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, to provide a detailed explanation for the utilization of N422.3 million in contract funds and N50.3 million spent on staff training.

As part of its oversight responsibilities, the committee, led by the chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam, flew into Lagos to investigate institutions such as the Federal Medical Centre, Lagos, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and others for financial irregularities and extra-budgetary spending.

During the investigative hearing, the committee grilled the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, over non-remittance of internally generated revenue, extra-budgetary spending, and violations of financial regulations.

Similarly, LUTH’s Medical Director, Prof. Lanre Adeyemo, faced questions about IGR non-remittance, discrepancies in Remita payments, and extra-budgetary spending without approval.

The committee was unconvinced by the explanations provided and demanded documentary evidence of approvals, expenditures, and compliance with financial regulations, concluding that the hospitals’ justifications failed to justify the serious breaches of existing laws.

Through its oversight mission, the committee aims to ensure government agencies provide optimal value for public funds and comply with budgetary provisions.

Salam assures that the committee’s focus is on accountability and transparency, not persecution.

In his opening remarks, he said the agencies must show value for any money they have collected.

He promised to impose legal penalties on noncompliance and warned that there would be no tolerance.

During its hearing, the committee received presentations from representatives of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Dr. Owoeye was probed for various financial and regulatory infractions.

He faced questioning over unauthorized expenditures beyond budget allocations and failure to comply with financial rules, violating multiple provisions of financial regulations.

The hospital’s employment practices were criticized for neglecting the federal character principle, which mandates the equitable distribution of job opportunities across the country’s geopolitical zones.

The committee requested that the hospital provide justification for N422.3 million in contract expenditures and N50.3 million spent on staff training.

Owoeye faced intense questioning over the non-remittance of internally generated revenue, discrepancies in Remita payments totalling over N2 billion, and unauthorized extra-budgetary expenditures of N150.3 billion during the period in question.

He faced further questioning regarding the irregularities in LUTH’s tender board processes, non-compliance with the circular prohibiting payment of staff professional membership fees, and various other issues.

Owoeye pointed out that the 500-bed facility, established over a century ago in 1907, needs immediate backing to fulfil its responsibilities.

He also revealed that the hospital’s monthly electricity bills were a significant burden, exceeding N181 million, until the federal government provided relief with 300 solar panels.

The committee resolved that all of the excuses given in explaining the contraventions did not hold water and could not be tolerated.

The committee noted that these actions constituted a flagrant breach of existing laws.

Meanwhile, both hospitals expressed concerns about staff attrition due to the ‘japa syndrome’ and delayed budgetary disbursements, appealing to the committee for assistance in addressing these challenges to meet public expectations.

Additional government agencies slated to appear before the committee include the Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), and several others.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...

Just in: INEC presents Certificates of Return to Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa, deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to...

Breaking: Senate sacks Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman  

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct and unacceptable behaviour, the Senate on...

Just in: South Africa takes over G20 Presidency from Brazil, first African nation to lead the bloc

South Africa has taken over the presidency of the G20 from Brazil,...

Tinubu submits 3 INEC REC, federal commissioner-nominees for Senate’s approval

President Bola Tinubu has sent the name of Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner,...

Just in: After a night in custody, DSS in Ogun releases Ladi Adebutu

Mr. Ladi Adebutu, the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in...