In a decisive move to uphold transparency and strengthen food security, the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the alleged misappropriation of agricultural intervention funds by various federal agencies operating outside the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

This inquiry follows a House resolution mandating the Committee to scrutinize the management of public agricultural funding by institutions such as:

• Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
• Bank of Industry (BOI)
• Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
• Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL)
• National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF)
• Among others

🔍 Why the Probe?

Committee Chairman Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, who presided over the public hearing in Abuja, clarified that the investigation is not intended to witch-hunt any individual or organization. Instead, it aims to expose inefficiencies, pinpoint policy gaps, and ensure responsible management of public funds intended for agricultural growth.

“The reality is troubling: despite trillions of naira poured into agriculture over the years, Nigerians continue to suffer from high food prices, hunger, and malnutrition,” Hon. Okafor stated. “If these resources were used properly, the current food crisis would have been avoidable.”

📊 Programmes Under Review

The Committee is analyzing the following interventions, among others:

• ₦1.12 trillion disbursed by CBN to 4.67 million farmers under the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP)
• ₦215 billion in agricultural support distributed by NIRSAL
• ₦3 billion disbursed to 22,120 smallholder farmers and ₦59.4 billion in agro-processing loans by BOI
• A ₦5 billion livestock loan facility initiated by BOA in 2023
• ₦1.6 billion Recovery Fund set up in 2024 by NADF to combat the ginger blight epidemic

The Committee has requested detailed records covering the period 2017 to 2024, including:

• Legal mandates and funding sources
• Beneficiary lists disaggregated by region
• Loan conditions, repayment plans, and performance indicators
• Partnerships with donor organizations and private sector players
• 2025 projections for agricultural and nutrition-focused programs

🧾 Agencies Invited for Testimony

At least 11 key agencies were summoned to provide documentation and testify, including:

1. Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
2. Bank of Industry (BOI)
3. Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
4. Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS)
5. Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN)
6. National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA)
7. NIRSAL Microfinance Bank
8. Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN)
9. NIRSAL PLC
10. National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF)
11. National Agricultural Seed Council

🗣 Accountability, Not Antagonism

Hon. Okafor emphasized the collaborative intent of the inquiry, urging agencies to approach the process with honesty and responsibility.

“This is a call for partnership, not punishment. Where lapses are found, let’s fix them. Where rules were broken, there must be corrective action,” he said.

He also called on the media and civil society organizations to actively participate by promoting factual reporting and fostering dialogue.

🥘 Food Security in Focus

This oversight aligns with the legislative commitment to Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in tackling hunger, enhancing nutrition, and safeguarding food systems. The creation of the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security is seen as a critical step in harmonizing efforts across the Executive, Legislative, and private sectors.

As the hearings progress, Farm Alert will continue to track developments that impact smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and the wider agricultural ecosystem.