House Committee Summons Auditor-General, Finance and Agriculture Ministers Over Agricultural Fund Disbursement

By Otobong Gabriel,  Abuja 

The House of Representatives’ ad-hoc committee investigating agricultural subsidies, intervention funds, grants, and aids summoned the Auditor-General of the Federation along with the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture on Tuesday.

The move follows concerns over the management and disbursement of agricultural programme funds between 2015 and 2025.

During the hearing at the National Assembly, lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the documentation presented, citing significant gaps in accountability records. Jamo Aminu, chairman of the committee, noted that the Office of the Auditor-General had failed to provide audited reports for several subsidy and intervention initiatives within the review period.

He explained that the investigation is part of the House’s wider efforts to scrutinise public spending in the agricultural sector, especially amid rising food insecurity, increasing food prices, and questions about the effectiveness of past intervention programmes.

“The investigation cannot proceed effectively without proper audit documentation. These funds cover a decade and involve key national programmes,” Aminu said, stressing that transparency and accountability are essential.

Mohammed Adamu, Deputy Director at the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, stated that delays in producing the audit reports stem from the unavailability of key documents from the Ministry of Agriculture.

“The Ministry of Agriculture is the primary source of these records. Despite repeated requests, we have not received the necessary cooperation, which has hindered the completion of the audits,” Adamu explained.

He urged the lawmakers to expand the scope of the investigation to include both the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance, noting that these ministries are central to the release, management, and oversight of agricultural funds.

The committee’s probe underscores the House’s commitment to ensuring accountability and proper utilisation of funds intended to support farmers, boost food production, and strengthen national food security.