Zamfara APC Alleges Massive Corruption In State Government Fertiliser Procurement.

The Zamfara State All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the state government of corruption, alleging that a fertiliser procurement deal was grossly inflated to benefit those in power.

According to the party’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idris Gusau, the government allegedly spent a staggering N38.5 billion on 75 trailer loads of fertiliser, which translates to an exorbitant N855,000 per bag.

The APC claimed that the contract for fertiliser supply was awarded to Zam Agro Chemicals, a company purportedly owned by Governor Dauda Lawal.

The party also claimed that this is not the company’s first involvement in such a transaction, citing a similar contract in 2020 in which Zam Agro Chemicals allegedly failed to deliver the fertiliser despite being paid.

The APC has raised a major point of contention: conflicting reports on the number of caravan loads purchased.

The party pointed out that, while Governor Lawal announced the purchase of 135 trailers, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state issued a statement claiming 145 trailers were purchased.

This discrepancy, according to the APC, calls into question the government’s transparency and accuracy.

“We calculated that at N38.5 billion, the government purchased the fertiliser at an unbelievable N855,000 per bag,” Gusau stated.

“This is a clear case of contract inflation, as even using the PDP’s figures would result in an outrageous price per bag.”

The APC accused the state government of attempting to take unfair credit for agricultural policies associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration by concealing the delivery of 70 trailer loads of fertiliser provided by the federal government. Only after the APC raised concerns did the state acknowledge receipt of these trailers, in addition to the 75 trailers reportedly purchased by the state.

Gusau also criticised the governor’s silence on the subject, particularly given allegations that his own company is at the centre of the scandal.

The APC urged anti-graft agencies to investigate the transaction and hold those involved accountable. Furthermore, the party demanded a complete refund of any excess funds to the state treasury.

The statement ended with a call for transparency, urging the Zamfara State government to provide clear and accurate information about the procurement, such as the actual number of trailers purchased and the exact cost per bag of fertiliser.

The allegations have fuelled growing calls for greater accountability in state-level contracts and procurement processes, with citizens watching closely to see how the government responds to these serious allegations.