Jigawa Wheat Production Fraud: PCACC Arrests 10 Agro Dealers, AFAN Disowns Chairman
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
December 13, 2024
In a swift crackdown on corruption within the agricultural sector, the Jigawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested 10 agro-dealers suspected of diverting federal wheat farming inputs meant for dry season farming. This is part of an ongoing investigation following allegations of fraudulent activities by several agro-dealers in the state.
Salisu Abdu, the Chairman of the PCACC, confirmed the arrests, stating that the diversion of agricultural inputs had taken a new turn, leading to further scrutiny. These inputs were intended to assist farmers in the state, but they were instead allegedly hoarded or resold illegally by the suspects.
The arrests follow a directive from Governor Umar Namadi, who ordered the apprehension of officials involved in the diversion of agricultural inputs, as well as those extorting farmers. Among those targeted was the Chairman of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kiyawa Local Government, Isyaku Katanga, who had been found to be charging farmers an additional N3,000 on top of the approved federal and state prices for wheat and other farming inputs. This unethical practice was discovered just days before the arrests were made.
The PCACC’s operations extended across Dutse, Kiyawa, and Miga local government areas. Among those arrested were impersonators and fraudsters, some of whom were not even licensed agro-dealers. They allegedly connived to purchase agricultural inputs from the intended beneficiaries and re-sell them for a profit. In total, the Commission recovered over 530 bags of fertilizer and other essential farming inputs, a significant haul that has raised concerns over the extent of the diversion scheme.
“The fight against corruption in the agricultural sector is crucial for the success of our policies and for ensuring the well-being of our farmers,” stated Abdu. He assured the public that the investigation would continue across other local governments, with the suspects to be prosecuted in court once investigations were complete.
The scandal has prompted a strong reaction from the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), which has distanced itself from the activities of the embattled Kiyawa Chairman, Isyaku Katanga. In a statement, AFAN’s state chairman, Auwal Garba Ibrahim, expressed shock and disappointment over the allegations of extortion and fraudulent activities linked to Katanga. Ibrahim assured that the association would not tolerate such behavior and promised to root out the fraudsters from within its ranks.
“We are deeply troubled by the claims of extortion happening in Jigawa State. These actions undermine the trust that farmers have in their leaders and jeopardize the integrity of agricultural programs set up by both the state and federal governments,” said Ibrahim. He emphasized that AFAN does not charge farmers for services or support programs offered by the government or other organizations.
Ibrahim further clarified that the fraudulent activities were not only limited to the Kiyawa chairman but also involved a network of individuals who were impersonating AFAN members. These individuals had been illegally collecting money from farmers in exchange for fake registration for agricultural interventions. AFAN urged all farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to local authorities or AFAN offices.
“The actions of these fraudsters are inexcusable, and we will do everything in our power to ensure they face the full force of the law,” Ibrahim stated.
This scandal has highlighted the vulnerability of farmers to exploitation, and it has raised questions about the efficacy of oversight in the distribution of agricultural resources. With the arrests and the disavowal of Katanga’s actions by AFAN, the focus has now shifted to ensuring accountability in the management of agricultural inputs and safeguarding the integrity of government programs meant to uplift farmers in Jigawa State.
