The House of Representatives is set to begin an investigation into the alleged non-release of 174.26 billion naira in agricultural intervention funds, imploring MDAS involved as well as development partners to fully cooperate with the probe.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Bello Ka’oje, in a statement on Sunday, called on all relevant government agencies and stakeholders to provide necessary documents and support to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
It would be recalled that the House, in late January, following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Ka’oje, resolved to investigate development partner-funded agricultural projects, particularly those supported by the African Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, to ensure accountability and judicious use of resources.
According to the lawmaker, the Committee was specifically mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the non-release of the 174.26 billion naira intervention funds, as well as examine the persistent high cost of fertilizer, which continues to negatively impact farmers and food production nationwide.
He noted that the delay in releasing funds secured from international development partners has heightened concerns over food insecurity, especially following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security in July 2023 — a move that triggered several donor-backed agricultural interventions.
Hon. Ka’oje expressed serious concern that the funds are time-bound and that delayed release has already caused farmers to miss planting seasons, leading to reduced output in the 2025 harvest and posing significant risks to the 2026 farming season.
