The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating agricultural subsidies, intervention funds, aids and grants has summoned the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Agriculture over the utilisation of funds released for agricultural programmes between 2015 and 2025.
The summons followed what the lawmakers described as unsatisfactory documentation and gaps in accountability records presented during a committee hearing at the National Assembly.
At the resumed hearing yesterday, the Chairman of the committee, Jamo Aminu, expressed displeasure over the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation’s inability to provide audit reports for several agricultural subsidy and intervention programmes within the period under review.
Aminu said the probe was part of the House’s ongoing efforts to scrutinise public spending in the agricultural sector amid rising food prices, worsening food insecurity and concerns over the effectiveness of past intervention programmes.
He said the committee expected comprehensive audit reports that would enable lawmakers to track disbursements, utilisation and outcomes of various schemes established to boost food production, support farmers and enhance national food security.
“We cannot effectively carry out this investigation without proper audit records. These funds span a decade and involve critical national programmes,” Aminu stated
According to him, transparency and accountability remained non-negotiable. But a deputy director in the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adamu, told the committee that the delay in producing the audit reports was due to the non-availability of key documents from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.
Adamu said the Auditor-General’s office had made several requests for records relating to agricultural subsidies, grants, aids and intervention programmes but had yet to receive the required cooperation.
“The primary source of these documents is the Ministry of Agriculture. Without them, concluding the audit process has been difficult,” he explained.
The deputy director urged the committee to widen the scope of the investigation to include the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance, noting that both ministries play central roles in the release, management and oversight of funds.
Following the exchange, the panel directed the Auditor-General of the Federation, together with the Ministers of Agriculture and Finance, or their representatives, to appear before it on February 3.
It warned that failure to honour the summons would attract legislative sanctions in line with the National Assembly’s powers.
AS it resumed plenary, the lower legislative chamber pledged to fine-tune the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, review key constitutional provisions and subject the 2026 budget to rigorous scrutiny.
Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, stated this yesterday during the resumption of the plenary session as the lawmakers returned from the Christmas and New Year recess.
The session opened with a valedictory sitting in honour of three deceased senators, Godiya Akwashiki, Okechukwu Ezea and John Kojo-Brambaifa.
Kalu formally notified members of their passing, explaining that proceedings had been briefly adjourned in accordance with the House Standing Rules.
Outlining the legislative priorities for the year, the deputy speaker described the Electoral Act amendment as a major milestone for 2026. He assured that outstanding issues in the bill would be promptly addressed to ensure a seamless legislative process.
Kalu also said the House would focus on specific constitutional provisions that have undergone amendment processes, noting that the National Assembly remains committed to translating the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda into tangible outcomes.
On the 2026 budget, the deputy speaker promised thorough legislative oversight to ensure it serves as an effective instrument for governance and national development.
