NGO calls for EFCC, ICPC probe over ₦4 Billion Agriculture Ministry Projects in Akwa Ibom

Uyo, Akwa Ibom – A prominent civic technology platform, MonITNG, has ignited a firestorm of debate over the 2025 Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs), accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of facilitating billions in allocations that stray far from their intended purpose, potentially paving the way for public fund diversion.

In a scathing open letter posted on X (formerly Twitter) Saturday, MonITNG – a group dedicated to tracking public projects and promoting transparency – highlighted four projects totaling ₦4 billion under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).

These initiatives, routed through the Federal Co-operative College in Ibadan, Oyo State, include the construction of rural farming markets and police stations in various farming communities across Akwa Ibom State.

The group questions the logic of an agriculture-focused ministry funding law enforcement infrastructure and duplicative market builds, especially amid crumbling health and education facilities in the region.

The projects in question are:

ZIP20250388: Construction of Rural Market Farming in Abiakana, Abak Oko, Atan, and Mbiabet Esire Farming Communities (Lots A–C) – ₦1,000,000,000.

ZIP20250389: Construction of Rural Farming Markets in Edem Idim, Nkana Ikpe, Nnung Inuen, Obioma, and Ubeng Farming Communities (Lots 1–3) – ₦1,000,000,000.

ZIP20250390: Construction of Police Station in Abiakpo, Akpan Essiet, Enin Udobia, Ata Abama, and Asakpa Farming Communities (Lots 1–2) – ₦1,000,000,000.

ZIP20250391: Fabrication and Equipping of Police Station in Nkwot Etok, Akata, Ibong Nto Akan, Nung Eduo, and Uruk Ata Communities (Lots 1–2) – ₦1,000,000,000.

"Altogether, ₦4 billion has been earmarked for markets and police stations in farming communities. But what exactly is the business of the Ministry of Agriculture with building police stations?" the post reads, labeling the allocations a "complete misplacement of priority."

MonITNG argues that the Federal Co-operative College, primarily tasked with cooperative education and training, lacks the expertise or capacity for such large-scale infrastructure, suggesting it serves as a "conduit for diverting public funds."

The criticism ties into broader concerns about ZIPs, Nigeria's annual ₦100 billion constituency projects nominated by National Assembly members.

Akwa Ibom received ₦5.34 billion in 2025 ZIP funding, ranking third nationally after Ogun (₦8.44 billion) and Kano (₦6.46 billion), according to data from the Budget Office of the Federation tracked by civic groups like TrackaNG.

While ZIPs aim to address grassroots needs in sectors like agriculture, education, and health, watchdogs have long flagged issues such as agency mismatches, vague descriptions, and political favoritism.

MonITNG's post echoes its prior exposés, including 2024 ZIP irregularities in Akwa Ibom where agricultural bodies handled non-farm projects like solar boreholes and youth training.

The group urges Akwa Ibom residents to monitor implementation for "value for money" and prevent "abandoned or substandard projects," a recurring issue in past ZIPs.

It also demands an urgent investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ibadan college, warning that such schemes prioritize "political interests ahead of 2027" over genuine development.

Neither the Senate President's office, FMARD, nor the anti-corruption agencies have responded to requests for comment.

Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North-West, has previously defended ZIPs as tools for equitable development, crediting President Bola Tinubu's prompt funding releases for enabling recent project inaugurations in the state, including police quarters and markets.