House To Investigate Privatization, Concession of Government Silos

The Chairman of the House Committee on Science Engineering, Inuwa Garba has in a motion, harped on the need to investigate the privatization and concession of federal government silos in Nigeria.

He urged the Federal Government to as a matter of priority, consider subsidizing agriculture to revitalize the economy and improve food security in the country.

The lawmaker stressed that Nigeria with it’s population size, needs to have silos in all the states for food security.

“Note that in September 2017, the Federal Government commenced the process of concessioning 22 out of it 33 silo complexes across the country to the private sector to ensure availability of affordable grains across the country;

“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;

“Also cognizant of 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, and upholding the principles of fairness and equity,” the motion said.

The House mandated the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services, Privatization and Commercialization and Public Assets, to investigate the privatization/ concession of 22 out of 33 Government Silos for grain storage and other critical national assets in Nigeria and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.