Agric Subsidy Investigation: Reps Warn Non-Compliant Banks, Agencies

The House of Representatives’ ad hoc committee investigating agricultural subsidies, intervention funds, aids, and grants from 2015 to 2025 has raised concerns over the continued failure of government agencies and financial institutions to respond to parliamentary invitations.

During a hearing on Wednesday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, the committee expressed frustration over the repeated absence of several invited institutions, warning that non-compliance would no longer be tolerated.

The committee directed NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria, SunTrust Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, and the National Bureau of Statistics to appear without fail, cautioning that further defiance would force the panel to invoke relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to ensure attendance.

Chairman Jamo Aminu issued the directive following multiple absences despite repeated invitations. “It is disheartening that some agencies continue to ignore repeated summons from the House of Representatives, refusing to participate in this investigative process. On this basis, I am compelled to move a motion to compel NIRSAL MFB, the Central Bank of Nigeria, SunTrust Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, and the National Bureau of Statistics to appear before this committee,” he said.

The committee is reviewing the implementation of key agricultural intervention programmes, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the Agribusiness/SME Investment Scheme, the Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, and the Nigerian Electricity Stabilisation Fund. While condemning non-compliance, the panel also criticised the quality of submissions from Jaiz Bank, Unity Bank, and Access Bank, noting that their representatives failed to provide complete and satisfactory information.

The committee has now ordered that the heads of all concerned institutions appear in person and submit detailed documentation in strict accordance with its guidelines. “This committee will not accept half-truths, cosmetic compliance, or administrative evasions,” Aminu warned, noting that misleading or falsified records would attract sanctions under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Explaining the aim of the probe, Aminu said, “Our focus is not only on the amounts released but also on how funds were applied, who benefited, what was achieved, and the value delivered to Nigerians.” He added that the committee would conduct forensic reviews and on-site inspections of ministries, agencies, banks, and project sites to verify claims and confirm the actual impact of funded initiatives.

Deputy Chairman Sunday Umeha emphasised the importance of the investigation, stating, “There can be no national security without food security. It is unacceptable that trillions of naira were allocated to agriculture with minimal impact on food security, rural livelihoods, and import dependence.” He urged all invited agencies to provide relevant documents to assist the committee, warning that defiance would carry legal consequences. “No institution is above the law. No agency is immune from oversight,” he added.

The ad hoc committee was established amid growing public concern over the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of federally funded agricultural intervention programmes. Between 2015 and 2025, the Federal Government channelled significant funds through the Central Bank, deposit money banks, and development finance institutions to boost food production, support smallholder farmers, reduce import dependence, and stabilise the economy.

However, rising food inflation, worsening food insecurity, and continued reliance on imports have raised questions about fund utilisation. The ongoing investigation aims to assess compliance with programme guidelines, track beneficiaries, evaluate project outcomes, and recommend sanctions or policy reforms where mismanagement, abuse, or inefficiency is identified.