Deputy Managing Director of NFSC, Lamin Sanyang, addressing farmers before the payments commenced, said the intervention was carried out under the instructions of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security. He apologised to the affected farmers and placed responsibility squarely on secco representatives.
“Even though what happened was caused by your own secco representatives, because GGC gave money to the Secco presidents to pay all the farmers,” he said, stressing that the government does not owe any farmer a single butut. “That is the truth,” he added.
Sanyang explained that NFSC disburses D1.9 million to Seccos once they deliver 75% of their purchases, with reimbursements made every three days. “There was money all the time. Saying there is no money and then owing the farmers is not an excuse,” he declared.
NFSC investigations revealed that some Secco presidents were transferring large sums late at night. “Our investigations found that some Secco presidents were sending money at 11 pm to friends and family members, amounts ranging from D200,000 to D400,000 to one number. How many tonnes would these amounts have paid?” he asked.
He confirmed that the D1.6 million now being paid to Jokadou farmers was for groundnuts never delivered to NFSC. “This money is not profitable to us. Where is the groundnut? GGC or the government never received it. It is a loss to the government. We are paying you only because of the instruction of the government,” he said.
Sanyang warned that this would be the last time government pays farmers for produce not received. “You all need to be mindful of the Seccos you deal with because this will be the last time we pay farmers for what we have not received,” he cautioned.
He noted that the Secco in question violated contracts, which clearly state that no Secco or farmer should buy or sell on credit. He advised affected farmers to report to the police and the governor to ensure statements are taken, so that cases can be prosecuted and money recovered.
Outstanding payments nationwide are expected to be no more than D900,000 to D1 million, a sharp decline compared to last year when government paid almost D25 million for produce not delivered.
Sanyang assured farmers that NFSC will re‑engineer its systems and enforce stricter controls. He confirmed that the case involving Kerr AlagieKaru has already been filed with the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Minister of Justice. “All the defaulting Secco presidents will be prosecuted,” he said.
The government maintained its position: no farmer is owed by the state. “It’s very clear from the onset. GGC does not owe anybody any butut. The government does not owe any farmer a butut,” Sanyang concluded.
