Agric Ministry Under Fire Over Alleged N1 Billion Pavilion Renovation Contract

A northern advocacy group, Northern Frontiers for Good Governance, has demanded a probe into the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security over an alleged N1 billion contract awarded for the renovation and rehabilitation of the Ojude Oba Pavilion in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

The group, in a petition addressed to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 20, 2024, described the contract as a misplacement of priorities, questioning why funds meant for agricultural development were diverted to non-agricultural projects.

Signed by its National Coordinator, Mallam Abdullah Tanko, the petition raised concerns about the ministry’s focus at a time when Nigerian farmers face crippling insecurity, lack of fertilizers, and limited access to modern farm equipment.

“It is disturbing that a ministry responsible for improving food security is prioritizing the renovation of a pavilion instead of supporting farmers who are unable to access their farms due to insecurity,” the group stated.

The petition further questioned whether the project passed through legislative scrutiny, particularly the Senate Committee on Appropriation, chaired by an indigene of Ogun State.

The group urged the EFCC to investigate the motives behind the contract, Evaluate the actual cost of the project against the allocated budget, Recover any misappropriated funds and prosecute any individuals found culpable.

It emphasized that swift action would deter future mismanagement of public funds and restore confidence in governance.
In response, the EFCC confirmed receipt of the petition in a letter dated December 23, 2024, with reference number EFCC/PET/HQR/4401/2024.

As investigations commence, stakeholders and civil society organizations are closely watching how the anti-graft agency handles the case, which has sparked debates about budget priorities and accountability in public service.