AWKA, Nigeria – Concerns are rising over potential scarcity of rice and garri in Anambra State, Nigeria, due to the non-payment of counterpart funds for an agricultural programme.
The programme, organised by the Federal Government of Nigeria/ International Fund for Agricultural Development-Value Chain Development Programme (FGN/IFAD-VCDP), aims to increase the production of these key staples.
A source who asked for anonymity revealed to journalists in Awka on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, that Anambra State has defaulted on its counterpart fund payment for several years.
This has negatively impacted the state’s production of rice and cassava.
The informant stated, “This is the fifth year running since the Anambra Government last paid her counterpart fund for the FGN/IFAD-VCDP programme.”
The source noted that the state first made a payment of N94.4 million in 2015 and a subsequent payment of N94.8 million in 2016.
The amount increased to N118 million annually from 2021 to 2023, which means that the state currently owes about N590 million.
The programme initially covered three Local Government Areas—Anambra East, Anambra West, and Ayamelum.
It later extended to Orumba North, Awka North, Orumba South, Ogbaru, and Ihiala.
In 2016, under the administration of Governor Willie Obiano, Anambra reportedly reached its peak rice production capacity, producing an annual total of 210,000 metric tons of rice.
The non-payment of the counterpart fund has also affected the welfare of the FGN/IFAD-VCDP staff in the state.
Staff members have reportedly not received their salaries and other allowances for 13 months, resulting in low morale and a decrease in productivity.
When contacted about the issue, Anambra State commissioner for agriculture, Dr Foster Ihejiofor, directed journalists to FGN/IFAD-VCDP State Programme co-ordinator, Mr Emmanuel Agwucha.
However, Mr Agwucha refused to comment, stating, “This matter is not for the press, please.”
The implications of this issue are significant as Anambra State plays a vital role in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, especially in rice and cassava production.
Failure to resolve this matter could lead to scarcity of these staples in the state and possibly affect the broader food market in Nigeria.
