The House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security has issued a stern warning to key government agencies in the agriculture sector over their failure to appear before an ongoing legislative probe into the Anchor Borrowers Programme and other federal agricultural initiatives.
Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Chike Okafor, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the absence of several invited agencies at a critical session held at the National Assembly. Describing the snub as unacceptable, he stated that the Committee would not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers to compel attendance, including issuing arrest warrants.
“This is not a witch-hunt,” Dr. Okafor clarified in his opening remarks. “We are here to uncover the truth, identify systemic failures, and ensure that the funds allocated for food security are being put to proper use. Nigerians deserve answers.”
Among the defaulting agencies listed by the Committee are the Bank of Industry (BOI), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), National Agricultural Seed Council, and NIRSAL Microfinance Bank.
While the BOI’s Managing Director formally requested to be excused due to an overseas engagement, Dr. Okafor insisted that all other absent agencies must appear before the panel without fail in subsequent sittings.
The Committee’s investigation aims to determine whether billions of naira earmarked for food production and agricultural development have been effectively utilized, amidst growing concerns over national food security.
Civil society organizations and stakeholders have been urged to closely monitor the proceedings and outcomes of the probe to ensure transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.