Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has inaugurated an 11-member panel to investigate the alleged sale of the Nigerian Meat and Allied Products (NIMAP) Abattoir during former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s administration.
The facility, located in Chalawa Industrial Area, was originally built under Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s administration to provide multiple revenue-generating services and create employment opportunities.
Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday at the Cabinet Office, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Faruq Ibrahim, said the investigation is necessary to hold the immediate past administration accountable. “The present administration has the responsibility to protect critical infrastructure of the state illegally auctioned for selfish interest,” he stated.
The SSG explained that the panel, headed by former Chairman of the State Anti-Corruption Agency, Barrister Muhuyi Magagi Rimin-Gado, has been directed to recover public assets and recommend punitive measures against individuals involved. “The government urges the panel to discharge the entrusted responsibility in the overall interest of justice, and equity but without fear or favor,” he said.
“The committee is mandated to probe the circumstances surrounding the sale of the land and equipment in the Nigerian Meat and Allied Products (NIMAP) Abattoir. You are to review all documents, agreements and approval if any related to the transaction, and assess the level of compliance with relevant laws and due process. The committee is also expected to determine the roles and culpability of individuals, organizations, or government agencies involved in the despicable act, and recover any public funds, assets, or equipment lost in the process. Recommend possible legal, administrative, or disciplinary actions or measures against those found culpable, verify the legality of the transactions and assess whether due process was followed in the valuation and price fixing. Suggest any other measures which in the opinion of the committee could prevent future similar occurrences. And propose steps to facilitate the establishment of a modern meat processing plant that meets international standards,” the SSG added.
Responding, Barrister Rimin-Gado commended the selection of committee members and assured that the investigation would be conducted diligently, “without fear or favor or affection,” adding that the call to service would be handled carefully.
Other members of the panel include Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner Alhaji Adamu Aliyu Kibiya, Magajin Garin Kano Alhaji Nasiru Inuwa Wada, Special Adviser on Constitutional Matters Barrister Aminu Hussain, Muhammad Yusuf Danduwa, Barrister Hamza Nuhu Dantani, Alhaji Muhammad Aminu Inuwa, Barrister Amina Umar Garba, Barrister Bashir Sabiu, with Abdulkadir Shehu of the Office of the Head of Civil Service serving as secretary.
The committee is expected to submit its report within three weeks.
