By Ade Iyamoye
The House of Representatives has expressed dissatisfaction with the 2023 budget performance of the FCT Area Council Primary Healthcare Department, citing discrepancies in the agency’s financial records.
During an oversight visit, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on FCT Area Council and Ancillary Services, criticized the agency for poor execution despite requesting increased funding.
“I am not satisfied with your budget performance. As a health agency, you should be proactive,” Akpanke stated, directing the department to reconcile financial documents within seven days and submit the nominal roll of all 270 Primary Healthcare Centers in the FCT.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ruqayya Wamakko, Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Healthcare Board, revealed that the agency’s overhead cost was only N4.8 million, stressing the need for more funding to improve immunization awareness.
The Committee also flagged irregularities in the budget disbursement process and faulted the FCT Area Councils Service Commission for failing to adhere to federal character in recruitment, with the last exercise dating back to 2008.
