Delta Assembly Warns Health Ministry Against Budget Misuse

The Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Health has issued a stern warning to the State Ministry of Health, its associated Departments, Agencies, and Parastatals, cautioning them against any form of misappropriation of funds in the upcoming fiscal year.

The warning was given by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, at the conclusion of a two-day budget defense exercise held yesterday.

Hon. Onwo, who represents Isoko South 2 Constituency, stated that the purpose of the budget defense is to assess the performance of the Ministry of Health and its agencies in the current year and to provide a forecast for the next fiscal year. He stressed that while resources are allocated through the appropriation law, any expenditure made outside the approved budget would be considered a breach of the law.

“Let me make it clear, Section 128 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as altered makes it clear that no money of the State government shall be wasted which further talks about misappropriation of funds. “Our duty as lawmakers is to ensure that money is appropriated to execute projects and programmes of the state government and to ensure that every money appropriated to MDAs are not just put to use, but put to good use for the benefit of Deltans.”

The committee chairman further noted that the House of Assembly would continue to support the state government’s health initiatives, particularly its health insurance scheme, but reiterated that prudence is essential when handling state resources. “We will hold accountable any individual or agency found to be misusing funds allocated for the state’s health projects,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has proposed a budget of 30 billion Naira for capital projects in the Ministry of Health for the 2025 fiscal year.

During the budget defense session, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, assured the committee that the government is committed to prioritizing capital projects and programs aimed at improving healthcare services in the state. He revealed that the upcoming year will focus on expanding infrastructure and services in the healthcare sector to ensure better access to quality healthcare for all Deltans.