Nearly two years after the explosive revelation of FADAMA input diversion in Jigawa State, evidence is emerging of a systemic pattern of agricultural corruption across multiple Nigerian states—this time in Kano, Ebonyi, Benue, Bauchi, and Taraba.
Our investigation peels back official posturing to expose how the nation’s rural backbone is being hollowed out by unchecked graft.
Kano: Fraudulent Millions & Institutional Impunity
Kano, a state burdened with a human development index of just 0.482—placing it near the bottom nationally—now faces renewed accusations of looting, notably in an agricultural context disguised as official operations.
In April 2025, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti‑Corruption Commission (PCACC) arrested three senior local government officials and a governor’s aide for the alleged diversion of ₦105 million—funds reportedly issued fraudulently under the guise of legitimate programmes.
Though the exact projects were unspecified, suspicions linger that some of the misallocated resources were linked to FADAMA‑like schemes.
The lack of transparency from state governance exacerbates concerns that agricultural input funds remain vulnerable to political manipulation.
Ebonyi & Poverty, Amid Glamorous Spending
Despite ranking relatively better on poverty metrics—with only 19.3% of its populace in extreme poverty (less than $2.15 daily)—Ebonyi State has seen questionable infrastructure investments that clamour for depth of oversight.
Locals have pointed to the infamous Ebonyi airport project as a glaring emblem of fiscal waste—raising the question: what assurance exists that FADAMA or stimulus funds aren’t being similarly misdirected?
Benue: Security Crisis and Agro‑Aid Misdirection
Benue State, already battling insecurity that has demonstrably slashed crop and livestock output—by 0.211% and 0.311%, respectively, for every 1% uptick in insecurity—faces additional barriers to agricultural recovery.
A recent study underscores how vital government input support is in such volatile zones—but there is no publicly available audit on whether FADAMA or intervention funds meaningfully reached these vulnerable farmers.
Bauchi: FDAMA Funds or Mismanagement?
Bauchi ranks lowest on the national HDI chart at 0.372, and its poverty incidence remains painfully high at 49.7%.
While specific FADAMA‑linked misappropriations haven’t been exposed, the broader context of low development indices and high poverty signals elevated risk for diversion.
With weak internal controls and opaque spending, even well‑intentioned agricultural programmes remain suspect.
Taraba: Loans Gone Missing—but What of Stimulus Inputs?
Taraba presents a particularly disheartening case: in 2018–19, 3,383 rice farmers absconded with ₦364 million in Central Bank loans, leaving beneficiaries unreachable and farming efforts in tatters.
If farmers can be misled—or disappear—after receiving sizeable aid, what then becomes of in‑kind subsidies like FADAMA inputs, which often lack serial tracking and follow‑up?
A National Pattern of Neglect, Not Just Isolated Incidents
Taken together, these five states form a troubling tableau:
| State | Poverty Rate (extreme) | HDI | Key Red Flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kano | 40.9% | 0.482 | ₦105m diversion arrest |
| Ebonyi | 19.3% | 0.622 | Costly infrastructure, governance opacity |
| Benue | 41.6% | — | Agricultural collapse and insecurity without audit |
| Bauchi | 49.7% | 0.372 | Low human development, high vulnerability |
| Taraba | 80.4% | 0.527 | Lost loans, poor beneficiary accountability |
These figures underscore an urgent need for forensic auditing of FADAMA and NG‑CARES across such states—especially in those where macro‑economic indices are lowest, yet relief interventions are highest.
Voices of Disruption
A citizen activist summarised the public’s exasperation:
“It’s sad the amount of wealth inequality that is aggravated by corruption… It’s only the fortunate, the well connected and the corrupt that are able to survive.”
Conclusion: Let’s Follow the Seeds of Corruption to Root Them Out
This isn’t about pulling on loose threads—it’s about uprooting a nationwide pattern: relief turned reward, with starving farmers left to pay the price.
Only a transparent, state‑specific audit—and prosecution where necessary—will restore sanctity to agricultural aid.
Next Steps: Launch forensic audits in these five states’ FADAMA or NG‑CARES programmes.
Legal Action: State anti‑graft agencies must collaborate with EFCC/ICPC to target perpetrators.
Civil Society Watchdogs: In states like Ebonyi and Taraba, public monitoring platforms akin to BudgIT must track every input and naira.
