ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Transparency in Wheat Program

ActionAid Nigeria expressed concerns over the NAGS-AP wheat intervention during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, the Deputy Country Director, presented an assessment report evaluating the program's implementation for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 dry season farming cycles.

The report examined whether the initiative achieved its objectives of increasing domestic wheat production, reducing import dependence, and improving access to subsidized agricultural inputs for smallholder farmers. ActionAid Nigeria noted that while the federal government is committed to reducing wheat import dependence, significant obstacles such as delays in input delivery, financial barriers, and weak coordination undermine the program's effectiveness.

The organization called for the development of a national wheat seed multiplication strategy, improved access to agricultural finance for vulnerable women farmers, and the enforcement of strict timelines for seed distribution. ActionAid Nigeria also urged investigations into alleged corrupt practices associated with the program and recommended sanctions against guilty agro dealers.