The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the State Government to conduct a comprehensive audit on the integrated Agricultural Silo Complex Project at Awe Junction in Oyo East Local Government inorder to assess the current status of the project, the total amount expended, and to take appropriate action based on the findings that emanated its abandonment.
In a motion moved by Hon. Olorunpoto Rahman, and Co – Sponsored by Hon.Oladeji Oparinde representing Oyo East and Afijio State Contituencies respectively , the Lawmakers explained that the importance of Silo is to store large quantities of grains and fermented feed ( silage ) , allowing farmers to preserve their harvest over time by protecting it from wealther elements and pest, thus ensuring consistent supply of foods for humans and animals effectively, bridging the gap between harvest and sale periods.
Presenting the motion at the Plenary on Tuesday, Hon. Olorunpoto noted that the purpose and critical roles of the Integrated Agricultural Silo in curbing the menace of food scarcity in Oyo State and Nation at large call for urgent attention that will yield positive influence to ensure its aim of food surplus.
“The Integrated Agricultural Silo Complex Project at Awe Junction was initiated with the aim of bolstering food security by providing substantial storage capacity for Agricultural produce, particularly grain. This infrastructure was intended to reduce post – harvest losses, stabilise food prices, and support farmers by ensuring that surplus produce could be stored and made available during periods of scarcity”
“Had the Integrated Agricultural Silo Complex completed , it could have played a vital role in mitigating the impact of food shortages by preserving surplus grains and releasing them when needed”.
“Given the current skyrocketed prices of food in Nigeria, completion of this project would go a long way to boost food supply and guarantee food security in the State and the Country at large.” The motion stated
He lamented that the Project, with a planned capacity of 10,000 metric tonnes was envisioned to be the largest and first of its kind in Nigeria , added that the project has been abandoned despite the expenditure of over #1.5 billion and over 11 years of work on – going .
Hon. Olorunpoto declared that Rahvet International Limited, the Contractor handling the construction facility has received payments totaling over #1.5 billion, and despite the significant financial outlay, the project still remains incomplete and has been abandoned.
“The prolonged abandonment of this project not only represents a significant wastage of public funds, but also deprives the State and the Nation of a crucial tool to manage food supply. ” He said
The House has however called on Rahvet International Limited to provide a detailed report on the progress of the project, the challenges encountered, and the steps required to complete the project.
Furthermore, the House also directed its Standing Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development to engage all stakeholders on the way forward and report back their findings to the House.
