…Niger Gov’t makes clarifications
By Baba Alfa, Minna
A group, Concern Nigerlites has expressed skepticism over a recent N5 billion bilateral agreement between the Niger Foods company and the Lagos State government.
The group questioned the authority of Niger Foods to enter into such an agreement, arguing that the company is not officially recognized, lacks a board of directors, and therefore, has no right to handle financial transactions of this nature.
They also alleged that established government bodies like the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, or the Agricultural Development Project (ADP) should have been involved.
In a letter signed by the group, they labeled the deal as “insincere and fraudulent,” suggesting that Niger Foods is a private entity created to “syphon public funds.” They are demanding an explanation from Governor Umar Bago regarding the composition and structure of Niger Foods and its legal standing.
The group claims that Governor Bago, accompanied by the head of a “private driven company,” Sammy Adigun, received a N5 billion cheque from the Lagos State government. They allege that Niger State’s share in the deal is only 10%.
The group is demanding to know the whereabouts of the N5 billion, questioning why the cheque was not deposited into a Niger State government account and where the land for the project has been allocated. They also pointed out that while the Commissioner of Commerce signed the agreement on behalf of Niger State, the cheque was made out to Niger Foods.
The Chief Press Secretary, Mallam Bologi Ibrahim, defended the deal, stating that Niger State is responsible for allocating land for farm estates and providing supporting infrastructure.
However, the “Concern Nigerlites” faulted his response noting that he seemed unaware that Niger Foods is a private company while at the same time mentioning that Niger and Lagos states are the parties to the agreement.
The group also raised an enquiry as to why a cheque intended for a partnership between two states was issued in the name of a private company in which Niger State reportedly holds only a 10% stake.