Bauchi Govt Sets Up Committee to Probe Fertilizer Funds Mismanagement
By Ahmad Saka, Bauchi is
In a decisive move to ensure transparency and accountability, the Bauchi State Government has set up a high-powered committee to investigate the handling of funds earmarked for fertilizer production for the ongoing 2025 farming season.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, inaugurated the committee during a ceremony at the Government House, Bauchi. He tasked the members to conduct a thorough review of all matters related to the state-owned fertilizer blending plant.
According to the SSG, the committee is expected to:
- Investigate the utilization of funds allocated for fertilizer production,
- Recover any misappropriated or unaccounted monies,
- Recommend preventive measures to avoid future lapses, and
- Submit its findings within two weeks.
The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Rural Development, Hon. Faruq Mustapha. Other members include the Head of Civil Service, Barr. Sani Umar; State Accountant General, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja; State Auditor General, Ishyaku Yakari; Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Mu’azu Usman; and Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Iliyasu Aliyu Gital. The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SSG will serve as secretary to the committee.
Government Orders Delivery of 50 Trucks of Fertilizer
Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, the state government has ordered the immediate delivery of 50 trucks of fertilizer for distribution to farmers across Bauchi State.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Iliyasu Gital, disclosed this to journalists, noting that the directive came directly from Governor Bala Mohammed in response to public outcry over delays in fertilizer sales.
Dr. Gital assured that the move will ensure timely access to essential farming inputs, thereby boosting agricultural productivity during the peak of the planting season.