Abia Anchor Borrowers Programme: CBN addresses fraud allegations
The head of CBN development finance office in Abia, Camilius Ogbuagu, has described as “unfounded,” allegations of misappropriation of funds for maize farmers under the Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP).
Mr. Ogbuagu, addressing reporters in Umuahia on Monday said that the list of beneficiaries of its ABP on maize was usually provided by commodity associations at the national level and not Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) state offices.
He further said that upon the receipt of the list, the bank would proceed with the distribution of the inputs directly to the farmers.
He was reacting to a report in a local media station in Abia, where the state ADP was accused of complicity in the misappropriation of CBN fund for the programme.
Mr. Ogbuagu said, “The accusation of misappropriation and making of farmers’ list levelled against ADP is unfounded because the agency neither provides the inputs nor makes up the lists.”
He also said that neither the CBN nor ADPs had a hand in the choice of the banks being used by farmers for the disbursement of funds for the programme across the federation.
Mr. Ogbuagu said the choice of the banks was the exclusive right of the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Maize Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (MAGPAMAN).
He said: “CBN does not give cash to anybody under its ABP, neither does it give grants.
“The money we give is not a grant. It is purely a loan. What we give to farmers is not in cash but in kind.”
According to him, 3,132 famers, consisting of 2,041 MAGPAN and 1,091 MAN members were listed for the inputs during this year’s wet season.
He decried the challenges confronting the programme in Abia, saying, “Here, people want to be part of a programme they do not know how it works.”
In a separate reaction, the Abia ADP Programme Manager, Israel Amanze, said that ADP was working for the state and would not be deterred by such accusation.
Amanze said: “It is our mandate to ensure that farming in Abia is going on well.
“It is the core mandate of ADP to carry out extension work and develop agriculture in the state.
“Also, we will continue to play our role to ensure that the national headquarters does not stop extending its programmes to Abia farmers.”
NAN
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Tinubu inherited bad roads, tackling infrastructure deficit headlong, says senator
The senator said that the administration had been reconstructing existing roads.
States
Police nab eight Gombe suspects over alleged robbery, internet fraud
Mr Abdullahi urged them to report suspicious activities to the security agencies.
NationWide
Non-implementation of master plan responsible for Coastal road flooding: Umahi
Mr Umahi thanked the contractor handling the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Hitech Construction Company Ltd. for efficiency.
NationWide
D’Tigers beat Rwanda 106-62 in World Cup Qualifier
Mr Okoye said, “Going home 3-0 feels amazing, but the job is not done. Representing Nigeria means the world to me, and every opportunity to wear this jersey is a blessing.”
NationWide
Lagos deputy governor, APC state chairmen hail Tinubu’s visionary leadership
Mr Hamzat described Mr Tinubu as an inclusive leader who encouraged innovation and welcomed superior ideas irrespective of their source.
NationWide
2027: Pray for Nigeria, vote credible leaders, ex-Niger CAN chairman urges voters
Mr Echioda urged eligible Nigerians to participate actively by voting for competent, God-fearing, and credible candidates with proven records of service.
