The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized the Federal Government?s plan to allocate $30 million to states under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) scale-up initiative. The group described the initiative as flawed, citing the rampant corruption among state governors as a significant obstacle to the program?s success.

Reacting to the announcement made by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, HURIWA argued that allocating funds directly to state governments would yield minimal results in tackling food insecurity. The organization highlighted the persistent failure of past interventions channelled through state administrations, which have often been marred by mismanagement and corruption.

?This approach is not a viable way of resuscitating Nigeria?s dormant agro-allied industry. Governors have repeatedly proven to be some of the most corrupt officials in the country. Despite numerous interventions and cash advances provided to states, poverty and food insecurity remain rampant,? HURIWA stated.

HURIWA proposed a radical restructuring of the disbursement process. Instead of funnelling funds through state governments, the group recommended that the Federal Government engage directly with credible private sector players and large-scale mechanized farmers. According to HURIWA, this can be effectively managed through established institutions such as the Bank of Agriculture and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

?We advocate for the establishment of a revolving loan scheme managed by the Bank of Agriculture and CBN. This scheme should target credible, heavy-mechanized farmers across the federation, ensuring that funds reach genuine agricultural stakeholders who can drive meaningful change,? the statement read.

HURIWA emphasized that revolving loan schemes would promote accountability, as funds would be disbursed with clear terms for repayment and reinvestment. This would ensure the sustainability of agricultural financing and reduce the likelihood of fund diversion.

The organization also pointed out that food security cannot be achieved without first addressing the pervasive insecurity affecting Nigeria?s farmlands. HURIWA highlighted the growing threat posed by terrorists and bandits who have rendered many agricultural zones unsafe, displacing farmers and discouraging agricultural activities.

?Without securing our farmlands, any investment in agriculture is bound to fail. The government must prioritize the establishment of well-armed, well-trained, and highly motivated forest rangers. Additionally, we need state police forces with centralized, independent command structures to prevent abuses by state governors,? HURIWA stated.

HURIWA argued that a robust security architecture would encourage farmers to return to their farms, reduce food shortages, and stabilize food prices. The group emphasized that ensuring security is a critical component of any strategy aimed at achieving food security and economic stability.

In its comprehensive response, HURIWA outlined key measures that the Federal Government should adopt to revamp the agricultural sector and achieve food security:

?Engage directly with credible private sector agricultural firms and mechanized farmers through structured loan schemes.

?Establish forest rangers and state police forces with independent oversight to secure farmlands and rural communities.

?Implement strict monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the disbursement and utilization of agricultural funds.

?Invest in rural infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities, to support efficient agricultural production and marketing.

?Promote research and development in agriculture to introduce modern farming techniques, improve crop yields, and reduce post-harvest losses?

HURIWA concluded by stressing that the adoption of these measures would not only restore food security but also drive economic stability in Nigeria. The group expressed confidence that with the right policies, Nigeria could become a net exporter of food and agro-products within a short period.

?If the Federal Government genuinely seeks to transform Nigeria?s agricultural sector, it must abandon ineffective strategies and embrace comprehensive reforms. By securing farmlands, promoting accountability, and investing directly in the agricultural value chain, Nigeria can achieve food security, economic growth, and national stability,? HURIWA asserted.

The organization urged the government to reconsider its current approach and consult with stakeholders in the agricultural and civil society sectors to develop a more effective strategy for addressing Nigeria?s food security challenges.

Update news