The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has leveled serious accusations of corruption against the state government, claiming that a recent fertilizer procurement deal has been grossly manipulated for the benefit of those in power.
As per a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the government allegedly squandered a staggering N38.5 billion on just 75 trailer loads of fertilizer, translating to an outrageous N855,000 per bag.
The APC contends that the contract for supplying the fertilizer was awarded to Zam Agro Chemicals, a company reportedly owned by Governor Dauda Lawal himself.
In a shocking turn of events, the party highlighted that this isn’t the first instance of such questionable dealings by the company, recalling a similar contract from 2020 where Zam Agro Chemicals supposedly failed to deliver the fertilizer despite having been paid in full.
One of the significant issues raised by the APC involves conflicting reports regarding the quantity of trailer loads procured. Governor Lawal had announced the purchase of 135 trailers, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state claimed the actual number was 145. This inconsistency, according to the APC, raises alarming questions about the integrity and accuracy of the government’s financial dealings.
“We calculated that at N38.5 billion, the government purchased the fertilizer at an astonishing N855,000 per bag,” Gusau stated. “This is clearly a case of contract inflation, as even with the figures provided by the PDP, the price per bag remains exorbitant.”
The APC accused the state government of attempting to claim undue credit for agricultural initiatives tied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, alleging that they concealed the delivery of 70 trailer loads of fertilizer supplied by the federal government. It was only after the APC voiced concerns that the state admitted to receiving these trailers alongside the 75 trailers it reportedly purchased.
Gusau further condemned the governor’s silence on the matter, particularly given that his own company appears to be at the center of the allegations.
The APC has urged anti-corruption agencies to thoroughly investigate this procurement deal and ensure accountability for those involved. They also demanded a complete refund of any excess funds back into the state treasury.
In conclusion, the statement called for transparency, pressing the Zamfara State government to provide straightforward and accurate information about the procurement process, including the actual number of trailers purchased and the true cost per bag of fertilizer.
These allegations have intensified demands for greater accountability in state-level contracts and procurement processes, with citizens keenly observing how the government will address this serious situation.
