By Rashidat AbdulRahman
Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited has firmly denied circulating claims that the ongoing investigation involving the Shinkafa Cluster is politically motivated. The company described such allegations as false and misleading, saying they are attempts to divert attention from clear issues of contract violation and loan default.
In a statement released by the Chairman, Mr. Sammy Adigun, through the information officer Rashidat AbdulRahman,explained that the matter stems solely from a breach of agreement under the Niger Foods Input Financing Program an initiative created to empower genuine smallholder farmers in Niger State through a transparent, bank verified system. He clarified that the program operates strictly on a cooperative model, where cluster executives serve as guarantors, not politicians or government officials.
According to Niger Foods, the Shinkafa Cluster, led by Mallam Idris Usman Makanta (popularly known as Shinkafan Nupe), received inputs worth N3.4 billion across two farming seasons in 2024. Despite signing binding agreements and personal guarantees for full repayment, the company revealed that only N25 million less than 1% of the total has been recovered. Reports of input diversion and resale emerged soon after distribution began, prompting the company to petition the police for investigation.
Mr. Adigun emphasized that the company initially engaged Makanta to address the alleged diversion internally, but persistent reports from affected communities compelled Niger Foods to involve law enforcement to verify whether the inputs reached the intended farmers.
Dismissing all suggestions of political persecution, Niger Foods stressed that the case is purely a contractual and accountability matter. “This is not about politics, religion, or ethnicity. It is about ensuring that a signed agreement is respected and that public funds are recovered,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and farmer empowerment, Niger Foods urged all beneficiaries yet to repay their input loans to do so promptly. Mr. Adigun reminded stakeholders that the revolving fund belongs to the people of Niger State and warned that defaulters will face the full weight of the law if they fail to comply.
