The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Federal Capital Territory Chapter, has called for an investigation into the alleged diversion of farm inputs meant for farmers in the FCT.
In a statement signed by the Chairperson of AFAN FCT, Lady Perpetual Nkechi, it was alleged that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, located in Gwagwalada, Abuja, has consistently ignored directives to collaborate with AFAN in the distribution of farm inputs. Instead, ministry officials are reportedly working with an individual falsely claiming to represent the AFAN FCT leadership, whose identity remains undisclosed.
AFAN’s demand for an investigation follows a letter titled “Letter of Nomination as Member of the National Working Committee for the Implementation of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) Programme.”
This letter, which acknowledged AFAN’s contributions to the agricultural sector, was officially signed and approved by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
However, the director at the Gwagwalada station has allegedly refused to cooperate with AFAN FCT Chapter, despite holding a copy of the minister’s directive.
“All efforts to make the director comply with the minister’s order have failed, even though he acknowledged receiving the approved letter from the AFAN FCT Chairperson,” the statement read.
AFAN is now appealing to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the Ministry, Federal Inputs Supply Services (FISS), and the National President of AFAN, Arch. Kabir Ibrahim, to investigate the actions of the director at the Gwagwalada office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“This investigation is crucial to cleanse the system and prevent actions that could undermine the Tinubu administration’s efforts toward food production and food security,” the statement concluded.