State Officials Allegedly Divert Agricultural Equipment in Bama, Govt. Should Act Now
By Zagazola Makama
Reports have emerged alleging the diversion of agricultural equipment donated by the Borno State Government to farmers in Bama Local Government Area under the dry season farming initiative launched by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum. The initiative, introduced on January 4, 2025, aims to boost agricultural productivity and food security across the state.
The donations, which include 1,000 NPK fertilizers, 1,000 petroleum water pumps, 380 solar water pumps, seeds, and 1,000 tube wells (with an additional 200 set to be drilled), were intended to benefit 1,000 farmers in Bama LGA. The program also introduced subsidies for petroleum products, reducing the price to N600 per liter, and allocated N1 billion for irrigation projects.
Despite these laudable efforts, it has been reported that some state officials are diverting these items for personal gain. Eyewitnesses claim to have seen vehicles carrying agricultural equipment meant for farmers in Bama being transported to Maiduguri under suspicious circumstances. This marks the second incident involving the diversion of such items. “As we speak, the vehicle is currently on its way to Maiduguri from Bama,”he said.
According to credible sources, certain officials have allegedly manipulated the distribution process by inflating the list of beneficiaries with ghost farmers or recruiting agents who are under their control. These agents reportedly receive stipends in exchange for the equipment, which the officials later seize for personal use or sell in the open market.
In other cases, individuals who are not genuine farmers are listed as beneficiaries. Rather than using the equipment for farming, they sell the items, undermining the government’s efforts to support agricultural development.
The alleged diversion of these resources is a serious threat to the success of the dry season farming initiative and the livelihoods of genuine farmers who depend on this equipment. It also jeopardizes the state’s broader goals of achieving food security and economic development.
Authorities must take decisive action to investigate these allegations and hold those responsible accountable. The government should launch a comprehensive investigation into the allegations, including the diversion of equipment and the use of ghost farmers in the distribution process. Mechanisms should be put in place to ensure transparency in the allocation and distribution of agricultural inputs. Community representatives and independent monitors should be involved in the process to prevent further abuses. Farmers and local leaders in Bama LGA should be engaged to identify genuine beneficiaries and report any suspicious activities. Officials found guilty of diverting resources should face legal consequences to deter others from sabotaging the government’s efforts. The government should intensify efforts to educate the public on the importance of preserving the integrity of such programs and encourage citizens to report corrupt practices.
Governor Zulum’s commitment to agricultural development has been widely praised, but the actions of a few unscrupulous individuals threaten to undermine these efforts. Ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive the resources will not only restore public confidence but also reinforce the state government’s dedication to improving the lives of its citizens.
The government must act swiftly to address these issues and safeguard the integrity of its programs for the benefit of Borno’s farmers and the broader community.
