The National Assembly Joint Committee on Agricultural Production and Services has issued a stern warning to agencies under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. These agencies risk losing their allocations in the 2025 budget proposal if their leaders fail to provide comprehensive accounts of their 2024 budget performance and projections for the current year. The committee emphasized that only chief accounting officers are authorized to defend their budget estimates, reflecting President Bola Tinubu’s directive for accountability in the budgeting process.
During a budget defence session, the committee expressed disappointment over the absence of key agency leaders, including the Director General of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, Vincent Isegbe. Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, condemned the practice of sending subordinates to represent agency heads, insisting that accountability should start at the top. Isegbe was given a new deadline of January 20 to appear before the committee.
Highlighting Nigeria’s food security challenges, the committee stressed the urgency of addressing the projected food crisis in 2025. Senator Mustapha cited the World Food Programme’s projection that 33.1 million Nigerians could face acute hunger this year. He reiterated the need for increased funding and policy support to enhance agricultural productivity, tackle environmental challenges, and avert a full-scale food crisis.
Despite these pressing issues, many agencies reported inadequate budget releases in 2024, hindering their ability to fulfill mandates. The National Agricultural Seed Council revealed that only 9% of its capital allocation was disbursed, while the Nigerian Agriculture Development Fund disclosed it had received no funds for its capital projects. The lack of funding has left these agencies struggling to meet their operational and developmental objectives.
The committee acknowledged these challenges and promised to advocate for improved allocations and support in the 2025 budget. However, it urged the affected agencies to explore partnerships with development organizations to bridge funding gaps. Senator Mustapha also called for greater financial discipline and strategic planning within the agricultural sector to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
