Agriculture Ministry Officials Accuse Finance Ministry of Overreach and Bias in $310 Million Farming Projects

Insiders within Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture have accused the Ministry of Finance of overstepping its authority and interfering with agricultural initiatives, particularly two upcoming projects worth $310 million backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

In a letter addressed to renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), the whistleblowers expressed concern that the Ministry of Finance, led by Minister Wale Edun, is attempting to centralize control by exclusively backing AFEX Commodities Exchange as the primary implementing partner.

They argue that this move undermines the decentralised, state-driven model of the Nigeria Agro-Pocket Project (NAGS), which has already disbursed $134 million and benefited nearly a million farmers.

The letter warns that the plan grants AFEX control over nearly all aspects of the agricultural value chain and mirrors the criticized Anchor Borrowers Program—where AFEX is currently under legal and regulatory scrutiny for alleged financial misconduct.

Critics say the new structure excludes state ministries, local agro-dealers, and smallholder farmers, while embedding over N50 billion in administrative costs.

They further allege that AFEX’s involvement in government-backed imports could distort local markets and compromise national food security efforts.

The agriculture insiders urge a review of the project framework to ensure transparency, adherence to due process, and protection of public interests.