Reps Summon Banks, Agencies Over Missing Agricultural Intervention Funds

ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s House of Representatives intensifies scrutiny of agricultural intervention programmes as lawmakers threaten to compel banks and government agencies that repeatedly ignore parliamentary summons.

At an investigative hearing on Wednesday in Abuja, the ad hoc committee probing agricultural subsidies and grants from 2015 to 2025 expresses frustration over persistent absences by key institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and several commercial banks.

Committee chairman Jamo Aminu warns that continued non-compliance will trigger constitutional sanctions. “This committee will not accept half-truths, cosmetic compliance or administrative evasions,” he says.

The panel ordered NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, CBN, SunTrust Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank and the National Bureau of Statistics to appear without fail, citing Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to enforce attendance.

Aminu explains that the investigation focuses beyond disbursement figures. “Our concern is how funds were applied, who benefited, what was achieved, and the value delivered to Nigerians,” he says.

Lawmakers also criticise Jaiz Bank, Unity Bank and Access Bank for submitting incomplete documentation, directing their chief executives to personally appear and provide comprehensive records.

The probe covers major schemes such as the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, Agribusiness/SME Investment Scheme, and Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme, amid public concern over worsening food insecurity.

Deputy chairman Sunday Umeha links the investigation to national stability. “There can be no national security without food security. Trillions were spent with little impact,” he says.

Despite massive funding routed through financial institutions, Nigeria continues to face rising food inflation and import dependence, prompting questions over transparency and accountability.

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Mirian Gom

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Gom Mirian AHR Senior Correspondent, has over 8 years’ experience reporting on health, crime, education, investigations, and development issues across Nigeria and Africa. With dual degrees in Economics, she combines analytical skill with compelling storytelling. Widely recognised for her public health and humanitarian reporting, she earned a Nestlé Award nomination for compelling human-interest journalism. Follow her on Twitter @mirian_linus.

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