Shocking Revelation: ICPC Exposes, 22 States Waste N610bn on Abandoned Projects

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• ICPC finds N610bn wasted on 1,500 abandoned projects in 22 states.
• Phase 7 tracking targets transparency, involving contractors and MDAs nationwide.
• Constituency project failure hampers education, healthcare, and public infrastructure development.

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Shocking Revelation: 22 States Waste N610bn on Abandoned Projects

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered a troubling pattern of abandoned constituency projects in 22 states across Nigeria. These projects, valued at an alarming N610 billion, are now the focus of the agency’s Phase 7 Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Exercise.

Demola Bakare, the ICPC spokesperson, announced this development during the launch of the initiative. He explained that the tracking exercise, which began in 2019, aims to ensure government funds are used effectively in critical sectors such as education, health, agriculture, water resources, and power.

22 States Under Scrutiny

The affected states span Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Kwara, Niger, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Abia, and Enugu. These regions host over 1,500 projects, all of which have come under scrutiny for their questionable status.

“The ICPC tracked a total of 1,900 projects valued at N500bn in Phase 6 of the exercise across 24 states of the nation’s six geopolitical zones,” Bakare said while reflecting on the previous phase.

Focus on Accountability

Phase 7 introduces a more comprehensive approach, targeting collaboration with agencies such as the North-East Development Commission, Niger Delta Development Commission, and National Agricultural Land Development Authority. By expanding its reach, the ICPC aims to strengthen transparency and promote accountability in public spending.

Bakare further emphasised the scope of this initiative, stating that “1,355 contractors and 176 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)” were involved in the previous phase. This highlights the scale of resources that require effective oversight.

Track Record of Success

In Phase 6, the ICPC monitored 1,900 projects worth N500 billion across 24 states. While that phase uncovered significant lapses, it also ensured some corrective measures. Phase 7 now builds on those successes to prevent further waste of public funds.

Bakare underscored the importance of this ongoing exercise, explaining that it is designed to not only reveal inefficiencies but also compel contractors and agencies to complete projects. “This exercise ensures that abandoned projects are revisited and funds allocated by the government are accounted for,” he said.

Why Constituency Projects Matter

Constituency projects, intended to address local needs, are often criticised for inefficiencies. Projects in sectors like education, healthcare, and agriculture, if left uncompleted, undermine the government’s promise to improve living standards.

For instance, abandoned school buildings result in overcrowded classrooms, while incomplete healthcare facilities leave many communities without access to proper medical services. ICPC’s efforts aim to curb such scenarios by tracking funds and projects from start to finish.

Public Funds and the Need for Good Governance

This tracking exercise is a vital step in promoting good governance. By highlighting states with abandoned projects, the ICPC sends a clear message: mismanagement of public funds will not be tolerated. Stakeholders, including citizens, are encouraged to monitor projects in their communities and report discrepancies.

The anti-graft agency’s broader goal is to instil a culture of accountability, ensuring that government resources translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians. This initiative not only holds contractors accountable but also seeks to restore public trust in governance.

Next Steps

The ICPC plans to intensify efforts to recover funds or compel the completion of abandoned projects. As the agency tracks over 1,500 projects in Phase 7, Nigerians are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities surrounding government projects.

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This fight against corruption is essential for the nation’s development. The ICPC’s initiative could pave the way for more responsible public spending, ensuring a brighter future for all citizens.