REPS TO PROBE ALLEGED NON-RELEASE OF N174.26BN AGRIC FUNDS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged non-release of N174.26 billion earmarked for agricultural intervention programmes, raising fresh concerns over food security in the country.
Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, Bello Ka’oje, said the probe would examine the circumstances surrounding the delay, noting that the funds were meant to support farmers and boost food production nationwide. He said the continued delay has contributed to high fertilizer costs and caused many farmers to miss planting seasons.
Ka’oje warned that the situation could reduce output in the 2025 harvest and pose serious risks to the 2026 farming season, especially as the funds are time-bound. He added that the delay undermines donor-backed interventions introduced after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security in July 2023.
He also cautioned that about $200 million in additional funding from the African Development Bank could be jeopardised if earlier interventions are not implemented.
The House has called on relevant ministries, agencies and partners to cooperate fully with the investigation to ensure transparency and address bottlenecks hindering the release and use of the funds.