In a move to enforce transparency and accountability in government spending on agriculture, the House of Representatives has announced plans to hold a public hearing investigating the alleged misuse of agricultural funding by departments, agencies, schemes, and programmes operating outside the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
The decision came on the back of a motion titled “The Alleged Misuse of Government Interventions and Agricultural Funding by Departments, Agencies, Schemes and Programmes Outside the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.” This motion was vigorously debated on the House floor and subsequently referred to the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security for further legislative action.
The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at Conference Hall 028 in the House of Representatives New Building, within the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. Jointly announced by Chike John Okafor, Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, and Akin Rotimi Jr., the House Spokesman, the hearing will scrutinise the deployment and oversight of public funds designated for agricultural development amid escalating concerns regarding their misappropriation.
Okafor emphasized the critical nature of the investigation, stating, “This exercise is crucial in ensuring transparency and restoring public confidence in the disbursement and utilisation of government funding in the agricultural sector.” He pointed out that the probe aligns with the 10th Assembly’s overarching commitment to good governance and effective public expenditure management.
The inquiry aims to closely examine how funds intended for agricultural development have been managed through agencies and schemes that do not fall directly under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture’s supervision. In doing so, the House Committee seeks to set new standards for financial oversight in the sector. The investigation is also expected to generate valuable insights and policy recommendations that could strengthen the accountability framework surrounding agricultural financing.
Stakeholders—including farmers’ associations, civil society organizations, private sector representatives, and media professionals—have been invited to contribute to the session. Their participation is anticipated to provide a multi-faceted perspective on the utilization of public resources in agriculture and the broader implications for food security in Nigeria.
Akin Rotimi Jr. reiterated the House’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that every kobo of public money is judiciously accounted for. “This investigation is part of our broader mandate to ensure that every kobo appropriated by this House is accounted for, especially in sectors critical to our national development like agriculture,” he said.
The House stressed the importance of cooperation from all relevant institutions and the public, urging full collaboration to secure a successful outcome. The initiative is seen as an integral component of the 10th National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and sound governance across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
With this investigation, the House of Representatives aims not only to address current concerns over financial mismanagement but also to reinforce the integrity of government interventions in agricultural development, thereby bolstering the nation’s food security and economic stability.
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