The Nigeria Agro Input Dealers Association, NAIDA, has dismissed reports alleging fraud in the African Development Bank–funded $134 million agricultural programme, NAGS-AP.
In a statement, the association’s President Kabiru Fara described the online publication by Factsheet.ng as misleading and unsubstantiated. It said while there have been delays in payments to agro-input suppliers, this does not amount to fraud or diversion of funds.
NAIDA explained that the delays are due to bureaucratic verification processes, auditing, and compliance with AfDB procurement standards. It added that some payments have already been made, while others are in the final stages of reconciliation.
The association stressed that NAGS-AP remains under strict AfDB financial oversight, with all disbursements recorded and open to audit. It urged the media to verify facts before publishing allegations that could damage reputations and erode public trust.
NAIDA, however reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and promised that a detailed payment schedule will soon be made public.
