By Suleman Chitera,
A local governance and anti-corruption network is calling on the newly constituted Parliament to revive the inquiry into the controversial K750 million fertilizer procurement deal, which was suspended during the previous legislative session.
The National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA) says the suspension of the investigation created serious fears among Malawians that the matter would be swept under the carpet, denying the public the accountability and transparency they were promised.
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However, the election of Sameer Suleiman as Speaker of Parliament has renewed hope that the issue will finally reach a conclusive end. Suleiman, during his tenure as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, was one of the lawmakers pushing for full disclosure and corrective action in the procurement scandal.
Hope for Closure and Accountability
In an exclusive interview with Capital FM, NACA Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa encouraged the new Speaker to use his influential role to ensure the inquiry resumes without delay.
Arrest Agriculture Minister Lobin Lowe
“We believe Speaker Suleiman already understands the gravity of this issue and how important it is to Malawians. His new position gives him even greater responsibility to ensure the truth comes out and that those responsible are held accountable,” said Kaiyatsa.
Background of the K750 Million Fertilizer Scandal
The fertilizer deal in question involved the procurement of inputs intended for Malawi’s Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP).
However, investigations revealed that government funds were allegedly paid to a bogus supplier, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability across institutions linked to the deal.
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Despite initial progress with parliamentary inquiries, the matter stalled when the previous parliament’s session ended—leaving the case unresolved.
Public Demands for Transparency
Civil society groups, agricultural stakeholders, and citizens have been demanding that the case be concluded to restore public confidence in government procurement systems.
Kaiyatsa emphasized that failure to resolve the issue will continue to undermine trust in the country’s governance structures.
“This is not just about recovering the money. It is about sending a strong message that public resources must be protected and that corruption will not be tolerated,” he added.
What Comes Next
With Speaker Suleiman now presiding over the legislative arm, all eyes are on the new Parliament to reopen the inquiry, summon those involved, and ensure that recommendations are enforced.
If fully pursued, the inquiry could:
Reveal how the procurement process was bypassed
Expose individuals or institutions involved in wrongdoing
Lead to improved checks and balances in public procurement
Conclusion
The call by NACA signals renewed momentum in Malawi’s fight against corruption.
The public now looks to Parliament—and particularly Speaker Suleiman—to show leadership, uphold accountability, and ensure that the K750 million fertilizer scandal is finally resolved in the interest of justice and good governance.
