Delayed funding, salaries hampering IFAD’s projects in Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Finance has said that, delays in counterpart funding from state governments, inadequate salaries, and outstanding payments for the International Fund for Agricultural Development replenishment have occasionally disrupted the smooth implementation of IFAD’s projects in Nigeria.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Jafiya, during a courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from IFAD, disclosed this on Friday.

In a statement signed by the Head, Press and Public Relations Unit, Helen Chukwu on Friday. Mrs. Lydia Jafiya underscored the strong partnership between the Federal Government and IFAD.

The statement partly reads, “Mrs. Jafiya expressed gratitude for the visit and acknowledged the challenges faced by IFAD. These challenges include delays in counterpart funding from state governments, inadequate salaries, and outstanding payments for IFAD’s replenishment. These issues have occasionally disrupted the smooth implementation of projects.”

However, the Permanent Secretary assured the delegation that the government is actively addressing these challenges.

“We are committed to resolving our liabilities and obligations,” she affirmed.

“Approval has been granted, and we are diligently working through the payment procedures,” she added.

She praised the organisation’s laudable programs, which have made significant strides in Nigeria.

“IFAD has achieved remarkable results in our country, their commitment to capacity building and prudent financial management aligns perfectly with our goals,” she added.

Edun emphasized the critical role that IFAD’s initiatives play in addressing food scarcity and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Meanwhile , the Nigerian government is actively seeking an extension of projects by the IFAD to bolster its efforts in achieving food security.

The discussion centered on strategies to enhance food security, with a particular focus on the role of Public-Private Partnerships.

The IFAD team was led by Associate Vice President D. Brown.

Key elements of IFAD’s country programme are to empower poor rural people, especially women, by increasing their access to resources, infrastructure and services, and to promote the management of land, water and common property by local communities, thus helping to combat environmental degradation.

IFAD, as a global institution dedicated to serving the poor, plays a crucial role not only in Nigeria but also on the global stage.