The National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC) has uncovered over D16 million in outstanding liabilities following the reconciliation of the 2025/2026 Groundnut Trade Season.

According to the corporation, more than D1.79 billion was disbursed to Cooperative Produce Marketing Societies (CPMS) and private traders nationwide for the purchase of groundnuts during the season.

However, the reconciliation exercise revealed a shortfall of nearly 935,000 kilograms of groundnuts when expected deliveries were compared with actual quantities received at depots.

The report indicated that Kwinella CPMS recorded the highest liability, owing over D1.87 million, followed by Njayel CPMS and several other cooperatives that registered significant shortages.

NFSPMC explained that while some CPMS losses were fully absorbed through the 1% tolerance allowance and retained commissions, others recorded higher shortages that exceeded these deductions, resulting in outstanding balances owed to the corporation.

Despite the discrepancies, NFSPMC said the reconciliation process reflects improved transparency and accountability, particularly with the introduction of direct WAVE mobile money payments to CPMS.

The report further noted that private traders recorded zero losses, as payments were only made after groundnuts were properly screened and accepted at NFSPMC depots.

NFSPMC has pledged to strengthen digital payment systems, monitoring mechanisms, and financial controls in future groundnut trade seasons.

By Adama Makasuba