Reps Panel Summons Minister Of Finance, Agric, Others Over Subsidy Intervention Funds
By Tony Enokela
House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating Agricultural Subsidies, Intervention Funds, Aids and Grants Programmes on Tuesday summoned the Auditor-General of the Federation along with the Minister of Finance and that of Agriculture over the expenditure of funds released for agricultural programmes between 2015 and 2025.
Chairman of the committee Hon. Jamo Aminu expressed dissatisfaction over the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation to provide audit reports on several agricultural subsidy and intervention programmes within the period under review.
According to the Chairman, the investigation is part of the ongoing efforts by the House of Representatives to thoroughly scrutinise public spending in the agricultural sector over serious concerns raised on food insecurity, rising food prices and questions surrounding the effectiveness of past intervention assistance.
The Committee also informed that it is expected to carry out a comprehensive audit documentation to enable it track disbursements, utilisation and outcomes of the various schemes designed to boost food production, support farmers as well as strengthen food security across Nigeria.
He explained further: “We cannot effectively carry out this investigation without proper audit records."
Meanwhile, a Deputy Director from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adamu under cross examination told lawmakers in the panel that the delay in producing the reports was due to non-availability of key documents from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
He explained that the Auditor-General’s office had repeatedly requested relevant records on agricultural subsidies, grants, aids and intervention programmes but had yet to receive the required cooperation.
“The primary source of these documents is the Ministry of Agriculture. Without those records, concluding the audit process has been difficult,”
He, however, urged lawmakers in the committee to widen the scope of their investigation to include the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance stating that both ministries play central roles in the release, management and oversight of funds.
Taking a decision, the committee has directed the Auditor-General of the Federation, alongside the Ministers of Agriculture and Finance or their designated representatives appear before it unfailingly on 3th February for the continuation of the probe.
The panel warned that failure to honour the invitation would attract legislative punishment in line with the legislative powers of the National Assembly as enshrined in the Constitution.
