Reps begin probe into N1.12trn anchor borrowers fund

The House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security has begun probe into the N1.12 trillion spent on the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP).

The Committee also will probe the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank for N215 billion spent on agrobusinesses as well as the Bank of Industry for disbursed 3 billion to 22, 120 small holder farmers through the agriculture value chain financing programme.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon Chike Okafor, during an investigative hearing on the alleged misuse of government interventions and agricultural funding by departments, agencies, schemes and programmes of the federal Government raised concern that of the 24 participating financial institutions (PFIs) who disbursed the amount for the APB, they only had evidence of none of the institutions.

He said one of the key oversight mandates of the Committee is to ensure proper implementation of intervention programmes by relevant MDAs of the government related to food security and nutrition.

Okafor said, “We are probing how the Central Bank of Nigeria, through the Anchors Borrowers Programme, disbursed about N1.12 trillion to 4.67 million farmers involved in either maize, rice or wheat farming through 563 anchors. The CBN should note, we are aware that you have about 24 participating financial institutions (PFIs) through which you disburse these humongous amounts. I am also aware that you have written to 24 of them, but we have evidence of only nine. So please note. And also, some of those PFIs have tried to make contact.

“Second point we are probing how NIRSAL disbursed N215, 066, 982, 074.50 so far to facilitate agriculture and agribusinesses. And also the Bank of Industry how you disbursed N3 billion to 22, 120 small holder farmers through the agriculture value chain financing programme. One of the key oversight mandates of the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security is to ensure proper implementation of intervention programmes by relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and agencies of government related to food security and nutrition. Investigations, monitoring of resource allocation, advancement of new laws and strengthening of existing ones, among others, on matters related to nutrition and food security.

“These are comprehensively contained in the committee’s jurisdiction as captured in the standing order of the House. Please note that nutrition and food security are twin issues that cannot be separated and has been on the front burner of the renewed hope agenda of the present administration.The creation of this committee on Nutrition and Food security is a legislative response to join forces with the executive arm of government and other stakeholders to tackle these issues and make Nigeria a food-secure and nourished populace,” he said.

A representative of NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, Charles Bassey, said insecurity was a major challenge to the successful implementation of their loan scheme.

He said in trying to determine who was qualified to benefit from the intervention, they paid attention very closely to laid down guidelines.

“It was based on those guidelines that we disbursed these funds. Some of the challenges that they have written about include insecurity challenges. A couple of them had pointed out that after they had invested the funds in an agricultural business, they were not able to go back to the farms because of the experience of banditry and herdsmen. And these delayed their seasonal interventions and harvesting. Some also pointed to natural disasters such as flooding and drought, which affected them. A few of them actually asked for restructuring of the loan facility to allow them time to repay accordingly,” Bassey said.