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By Stella Odueme
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ikechukwu Cornelius Anonye, has urged the Federal Government to make public the reported health assistance agreement between Nigeria and the United States, calling for safeguards to protect Nigerians and preserve the independence of the country's regulatory institutions.
Anonye, in a statement issued on Friday, raised concerns over reports that the US would supply vaccines and medicines valued at approximately $3 billion to tackle malaria and other diseases, while Nigeria would provide $2.1 billion in counterpart funding.
He stressed that although international health partnerships could strengthen healthcare delivery, agreements involving public health must be transparent and subject to independent scientific assessment.
The ADC chieftain expressed concern over reports that the agreement could restrict the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) from independently testing or reviewing the medical products supplied under the arrangement.
He called on the government to clarify the reported condition and confirm whether NAFDAC would retain its authority to inspect, test, approve or reject imported vaccines and medicines in accordance with Nigerian law.
According to him, Nigerians deserve to know the agreement's full terms, the financial commitments involved, the measures for ensuring product safety and the remedies available if the supplied medicines fail to meet required standards.
Anonye also urged the government to address reports that Ghana and other African countries had rejected similar arrangements, insisting that the circumstances surrounding such decisions should be clarified.
He cautioned against speculation over the agreement, particularly claims relating to population growth, and called for any concerns to be addressed through verifiable evidence and disclosure of the actual provisions.
The ADC chieftain further advised Nigerians to rely on qualified healthcare professionals and information from competent regulatory authorities when making decisions about medical interventions.
He called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of any disputed provisions that could weaken independent regulatory oversight pending the publication and review of the agreement.
Anonye also urged the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to demand accountability over the deal.
He maintained that the government should publish relevant documents and correct any inaccurate reports about the agreement, adding that any provisions that could compromise regulatory independence should be examined by the appropriate authorities.