Expired Maize Scandal Rocks Benue State Ministry of Agriculture

A social media post by Asom D Jerry has sparked concerns over the alleged mishandling of farm inputs meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue State. According to the post, part of a ₦1 billion grant donated by Nigeria’s First Lady for IDP support was disbursed to the Benue State Ministry of Agriculture under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Ashaver.

The ministry reportedly used the funds to procure farm inputs, including maize seeds for distribution to the affected communities. However, the maize in question had allegedly been stored in a warehouse for over 10 years. IDPs, unaware of its poor condition, accepted and planted the seeds, only to face disappointment when the maize failed to germinate.

The post claims that IDPs who planned to protest the alleged mistreatment had their plans leaked to the ministry’s leadership, leading to the matter being suppressed. The author has issued a two-week ultimatum to the ministry to address the issue by replacing the expired maize. Failure to do so, the post warns, will result in the release of additional information regarding other alleged irregularities in the procurement and distribution process, including discrepancies in the quantity of maize that was supposed to have been distributed.

The post was addressed to several high-profile recipients, including President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) Nigeria, the Renewed Hope Initiative, and various media outlets such as NTA Network News, Channels Television, and Tvcnewssng.

This development highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability in humanitarian aid distribution to vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas like Benue State. As of now, there has been no official response from the Benue State Ministry of Agriculture or the named authorities regarding these serious allegations. Further investigations and verification from official sources will be necessary as more details emerge.