The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says the Abia State Agricultural Development program (ADP) has no hand in the distribution of inputs to maize farmers who participated in the CBN Maize Anchor Borrowers Program.
The Head, Development Finance Office CBN Umuahia Mr Camilius Ogbuagu who disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Umuahia described the Social media report accusing Abia ADP of withholding inputs and funds of maize farmers as misleading and unfounded.
Mr Ogbuagu made it clear that the Central Bank did not disburse physical cash but inputs which came in form of loan and not grant as insinuated by many farmers adding the inputs were handed over to the Heads of the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN) and Maize Growers and Processors Association of Nigeria (MAGPAMAN) Abia State Chapters to distribute to their members with the help and supervision of CBN officials for wet season farming from June 2020.
He warned those bereaved of information to stop pointing accusing fingers on the ADP but come to the Central Bank office to know the true stand of the Maize Anchor Borrowers Program and made it known that those whose bank account were debited in error will be credited during reconciliations and payment of the loans.
When contacted , the Program Manager Abia ADP, Chief Israel Amanze said apart from facilitating the commencement of the program in the state, the accusation will not deter ADP from carrying out its mandate of giving technical support to farmers to ensure effective and efficient crop yield and advised peddlers of fake news to desist from such act.
