N500bn growth fund: Senate summons finance minister, CBN governor, others over uneven disbursements 

An advert – hoc committee arrange by the Senate final week for thorough investigation on disbursement of growth fund to 36 States of the Federation since 2017, has summoned the Minister of Finance , Zainab Ahmed , Governor of Central Financial institution of Nigeria ( CBN) Godwin Emefiele and others, to look earlier than it.

The Senate had on the energy of movement sponsored by Senator Ali Ndume ( APC Borno South ) final week Wednesday on alleged uneven disbursement of growth fund to States by Growth Financial institution of Nigeria ( DBN) , arrange a 7 – man Advert – Hoc Committee to probe the allegation.

The Committee headed by Senator Sani Musa ( APC Niger East) , at its sitting on Tuesday resolved to summon the Minister of Finance , the CBN Governor , Managing Administrators of Growth Financial institution of Nigeria , Financial institution of Business , Financial institution of Agriculture and Director Common of Small and Medium Enterprises Growth Company ( SMEDAN) , for explanations on standards used for disbursement of the fund inside the final 5 years.

Senator Musa in his opening remarks on the maiden assembly,  stated the committee’s mandate  was to search out out causes behind lopsidedness of the disbursement throughout the six geo – political zone with Lagos State alone , having 47% of it.

“Obtainable info on the disposal of this committee, reveals that listed below are worries on the disbursement methodology employed by the Growth Financial institution of Nigeria ( DBN) as  not each MSMEs within the nation  , significantly  within the north is aware of concerning the financial institution.

“This clearly requires thorough investigation as mandated by the Senate  as regards conformity or in any other case to standards set for disbursement of the fund.

“Crucial evaluate of the full quantity disbursed to benefiary MSMEs from inception thus far and whole restoration made , if any, can even be made .

“In doing this train, the committee will summon the Minister of Finance , the CBN Governor , Managing Administrators of DBN , BOI, DG of SMEDAN and different related companies so far as the fund is anxious,” he stated.

He nonetheless harassed that the committee was not out to witch hunt anybody ,however would consider the factors that qualifies MSMEs to entry the mortgage and at what rate of interest.

The investigation he added, appears very daunting, however with patriotism, cooperation and dedication, the committee would succeed.