Ogun Assembly Probes Alleged Illegal Withdrawals from Anchor Borrowers Programme

The Ogun State House of Assembly has begun investigating allegations of illegal withdrawals from the accounts of subscribers to the Anchor Borrowers Programme. 

The programme, an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria, aims to provide loans to small-scale farmers to boost agricultural production.

The Assembly's Committee on Agriculture is leading the probe, following a petition by the "Anchor Borrowers Programme Victims." 

The petitioners alleged that the Central Bank of Nigeria had made unauthorized deductions from their accounts.

Hon. Waliu Owode, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, has invited relevant stakeholders to appear before the committee. Those invited include a former Programme Manager of OGADEP, Mrs. Taiwo Ayansanwo; Head of Agric Finance of Wema Bank Plc, Mr. Simeon Alfa; and representatives from the Development Finance Office of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Others invited include the Head of Rural Institution Development, OGADEP, Mr. Tunde Towolawi; representatives of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Cassava Growers Association; and at least three victims and beneficiaries from each Local Government Area of the State.

The committee has warned that all invitees are expected to attend the meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2024, at 1.00 pm prompt. 

Hon. Owode emphasized the need for the management of OGADEP to provide a comprehensive list of all beneficiaries and victims of the programme before the meeting.

The Anchor Borrowers Programme was launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 to create a linkage between anchor businesses and smallholder farmers. 

The programme aims to boost agricultural production and improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers.

However, the programme has been plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

The Ogun State House of Assembly's probe is aimed at uncovering the truth behind the alleged illegal withdrawals and ensuring that justice is served.

In a related development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has intervened in the matter, facilitating a tripartite meeting between the Central Bank of Nigeria, Wema Bank, and OGADEP. Wema Bank has promised to refund the alleged illegal deductions from the victims' bank accounts.

As the probe continues, the Ogun State House of Assembly has assured the public that it will leave no stone unturned in its quest for justice and accountability. 

The committee's findings and recommendations are eagerly awaited by the affected farmers and the general public.