Former Nigerian senator Shehu Sani has expressed his concerns following the House of Representatives' decision to investigate the disappearance of N2 trillion linked to the Anchor Borrowers' Programme (ABP) and the Buhari Rice Pyramids initiative. The investigation, launched in response to growing public outcry, aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding the missing funds.
In a series of tweets, Sani applauded the House's move, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. He emphasized that the probe is crucial to restoring public trust and ensuring that funds intended for agricultural development are used appropriately.
The Anchor Borrowers' Programme, initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2015, was designed to boost agricultural production and reduce food import dependency by providing loans to smallholder farmers. The Buhari Rice Pyramids, showcased as a symbol of the program's success, aimed to demonstrate Nigeria's progress towards achieving rice self-sufficiency.
However, reports of mismanagement and corruption have cast a shadow over these initiatives. Critics, including Sani, argue that the missing N2 trillion represents a significant failure in oversight and governance.
As the investigation unfolds, there is mounting pressure on the government to hold those responsible accountable and to implement measures that prevent future financial discrepancies. Sani's reaction underscores the broader demand for stringent anti-corruption efforts and transparent management of public funds in Nigeria.