The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to, as a matter of priority, consider subsidizing agriculture to revitalize the economy and improve food security in Nigeria.
The House mandated the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Privatization and Commercialization, and Public Assets, to investigate the privatization/concession of 22 out of 33 Government Silos for grain storage and other critical national assets in Nigeria.
The Nation reports that the Committees are to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Investigate the Privatization / Concession of Federal Government Silos in Nigeria” moved by Hon. Inuwa Garba.
The House noted that in September 2017, the federal government commenced the process of concessioning 22 out of its 33 silo complexes across the country to the private sector to ensure the availability of affordable grains across the country.
The House said it was cognizant of the need to scrutinize circumstances surrounding the privatization or concession of Government Silos for Grains Storage in the country considering the vital role these silos play in ensuring food security across the country.
The House said it was also cognizant of the need to investigate the entire process of privatization or concession, including the criteria used for the selection of private entities, transparency in the bidding process to ensure accountability in public administration, and upholding the principles of fairness and equity.
