HEDA urges EFCC to probe NSPRI’s N683.8m spending
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readThe Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has formally requested that the EFCC investigate the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI). This follows reports that the institute spent N683.8m on projects unrelated to its core research mandate in a single day.
Context & Background
- ✦NSPRI is statutorily responsible for research into post-harvest handling of agricultural commodities and the development of related equipment.
- ✦The allegations suggest a disconnect between the institute's mandate and the execution of constituency projects like solar mini-grids and empowerment programmes.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, who signed the statement calling for the investigation.•N683.8m total expenditure, including specific payments like N104.5m to Shamal Construction Limited and N99.1m to Tripplehech Resources Limited.
Outlook & Next Steps
HEDA is calling for a thorough, impartial investigation by the EFCC and for the findings to be made public to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- HEDA has petitioned the EFCC to investigate the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) over the alleged expenditure of N683.8m on projects outside its statutory mandate.
- The investigation follows a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) detailing 14 separate payments made by the institute to various companies on a single day.
- The projects in question include non-research activities such as health-centre renovations, streetlights, boreholes, and empowerment programmes across multiple states.
Key Facts:May 10: The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute allegedly made 14 separate payments to 14 companies in a single day.N683.8m: The total amount of public funds allegedly spent on projects outside the institute's mandate is N683.8m.
Editorial Excerpt
HEDA has urged the EFCC to investigate the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute over an alleged N683.8m expenditure on projects outside its mandate.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the primary concern raised by HEDA regarding NSPRI's spending?
HEDA is concerned that the institute spent N683.8m on projects such as streetlights and health-centre renovations, which fall outside its statutory mandate of researching post-harvest handling of agricultural commodities.
What specific action is HEDA requesting from the EFCC?
HEDA has urged the EFCC to conduct an independent investigation into the procurement procedures and circumstances surrounding the payments to determine if there was financial impropriety or abuse of public office.
