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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Nigeria Agro Input Dealers Association (NAIDA) has denied diversion or mismanagement of $134 million funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) for the payment of agro-input suppliers.
NAIDA President, Kabiru Umar Fara, in a statement yesterday, to counter an online report, explained that they have had delays in payment of some suppliers and agro dealers, stating that delays “do not equate to fraud or misuse.”
According to him, the reasons for the delay were bureaucratic verification processes, reconciliation of delivery reports, quality checks, and ensuring compliance with the procurement standards mandated by AfDB and federal regulations.
Fara further stated that some payments “have been processed, and others are in the final stages of documentation and reconciliation.”
He said: “We reject these allegations in the strongest terms. We categorically deny any act of fraudulent diversion.
“No credible evidence has been presented that any official has personally benefited from funds earmarked for suppliers and Agro Dealers.”
He reaffirmed that once suppliers meet all contractual obligations, verification, and quality standards and submit the required documentation, payments would be made promptly.
“As a programme funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), NAGS-AP is subject to stringent audit, monitoring, and financial oversight.
All financial disbursements, procurements, and payments are recorded, available for audit, and reported to AfDB.
“Any allegations of misappropriation or forgery will be taken seriously. If there is credible evidence, NAGS-AP and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Food Security are ready to cooperate with any investigation.
“NAIDA regrets any hardship experienced by members. The Association is aware that the NAGS-AP is working assiduously to expedite all delayed payments and to address bottlenecks.
“The programme has informed NAIDA about its internal reconciliation and transparency efforts to ensure that payments are not delayed unduly,” he added.
