By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
There are growing concerns that Miss Daphne Dafinone, a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) consultant currently facing trial, allegedly influenced the mass dismissal of contract staff at the Nigerian Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).
Sources within NIRSAL claim that Dafinone, who also serves as a board member, opposed the renewal of contract staff appointments under the pretext of cost-cutting measures.
Concerns Over Loan Recovery and Agricultural Impact
An anonymous source within NIRSAL lamented that the mass dismissal of workers would negatively impact the agency’s operations, particularly in rural areas.
“NIRSAL’s services may no longer be accessible to many farmers, especially those in remote locations. The dismissed field officers were the ones with firsthand knowledge of where farmers reside and the details of Anchor Borrowers Program (ABP) loan transactions,” the source stated.
The source further warned that this decision could complicate loan recovery efforts, leading to financial losses and discouraging farmers from participating in future government intervention programs.
Managing Director’s Assurance Overruled
A leaked audio recording obtained by this medium reportedly captures NIRSAL Managing Director, Saad Hamidu, assuring contract staff of renewal in 2025. However, insiders claim that Dafinone overruled this decision, effectively halting what they described as a “life-saving intervention.”
When contacted for clarification, NIRSAL’s Head of Corporate Communications, Jude Nnadozie, stated that the contract staff were dismissed simply because their contracts had expired.
Dafinone’s Controversial Role at CBN and NIRSAL
In September 2024, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso appointed Dafinone to the NIRSAL board despite her ongoing trial. Reports from Premium Times indicate that she is one of two controversial consultants, along with Ifeyinwa Balonwu, who allegedly wield significant influence at the CBN.
Sources within the CBN allege that these consultants have more authority than deputy governors, issuing directives on official CBN letterheads and bypassing established reporting structures.
“They said they are consultants, but they have permanent offices in the bank. Their consultancies have no end dates,” a CBN director disclosed.
Another source claimed to have overheard one of the consultants boasting:
“If I draw a line in the bank, even the governor dares not cross it.”
Consultants Paid More Than CBN Executives
Staff members have also accused Governor Cardoso of paying these consultants exorbitant salaries. Reports suggest that:
- Ifeyinwa Balonwu allegedly earns ₦50 million monthly—more than the CBN Governor and all four Deputy Governors.
- Daphne Dafinone is said to earn ₦35 million monthly, exceeding the combined salaries of 10 CBN directors.
Corruption and Mismanagement at NIRSAL
NIRSAL has long been plagued by corruption scandals. Investigations revealed that:
- A multi-billion-naira loan meant for wheat cultivation in Kano and Jigawa was allegedly diverted with the collusion of NIRSAL officials.
- Former Managing Director Aliyu Abdulhameed was linked to a corruption case involving consultant Dr. Steve Ogidan, who refunded ₦1.5 billion to the EFCC to avoid conviction.
- The CBN sacked three top NIRSAL executives in response to corruption allegations:
- Managing Director/CEO Abbas Umar Masanawa
- Executive Director Kennedy Nwaruh
- Executive Director Olatunde Akande
Mass Dismissals and Policy Inconsistencies
Sources claim that NIRSAL’s history of high staff turnover, mismanagement, and victimization has hindered its ability to deliver on its mandate. Several employees have allegedly been dismissed for speaking out against corruption, including:
- Olalekan Olusanya, former Head of Internal Audit
- Olusola Omole, former Head of the Technical Coordinating Unit
- Noel Dilli, a field officer in Nasarawa, who was dismissed after advocating for contract staff
- Kesman Samson and Murtala Mohamud, former coordinators of Adamawa and Gombe state offices
Impact on Food Security
The dismissal of critical field officers and continued mismanagement at NIRSAL are expected to contribute to:
- Food shortages and rising prices of staple crops like rice, maize, and wheat
- Malnutrition, particularly among children, pregnant women, and the elderly
- Further distrust in government agricultural programs
As concerns over NIRSAL’s future grow, stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms to ensure the agency fulfills its mission of supporting Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
