From Lateef Taiwo
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to urgently investigate the process where 22 out 33 Silos owned by government across the country were privatized.
The House also mandated it Committees on Agricultural Production and Services as well as Privatization and Commercialization of Public Assets among others to investigate the privatization/concession for grain storage and other critical national assets in Nigeria and report back within four weeks.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved during plenary Tuesday by Hon Inuwa Garba.
In his lead debate, Hon Garba noted that in September, 2017, the Federal Government had commenced the process of concessions 22 out of it 33 silos complexes across the country to the private sector to ensure availability of affordable grains across the country.
The lawmaker further informed that subsidizing agriculture to revitalize the economy and improve food security in Nigeria should be the main focus of the government but expressed regrate over the lack of food and grains shortages in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the House said it’s 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 further stated 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 as well as that of upholding the principles of fairness and equity
Consequently, the lawmaker who later brief journalists on the essence of his motion maintained that lack of transparency in the privatization process by the government is responsible for food and grains scarcity across the country.
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