KANO – The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has deployed its monitoring team to Kano and Jigawa states to track the execution of 105 federal lawmakers’ constituency projects valued at over N36 billion.
The exercise, which began on Saturday, represents a significant oversight push by the anti-graft agency to ensure that public funds allocated for community development are not diverted or dissipated on substandard work.
Two-Week Inspection Across 105 Sites
Addressing journalists in Kano on Monday, the ICPC Resident Commissioner for the two states, Barrister Ahmad Muhammad Wada, detailed the scope of the operation. The commission will inspect 69 projects worth N17.8 billion in Kano and 36 projects valued at N19.7 billion in Jigawa.
“In sum, we are tracking a total of 105 projects valued at over N36bn, and the exercise, which commenced on Saturday, will take about two weeks,” Wada stated.
He explained that the inspection teams will verify whether the projects were executed in line with budgetary provisions, assess the quality of work done, and evaluate their actual impact on host communities. Both completed and ongoing projects will be physically visited.
Zero Tolerance for “Paper Projects”
Wada emphasized that the ICPC will not tolerate attempts to divert funds or execute projects only on paper while leaving communities empty-handed. The commission’s presence on site is intended to deter contractors and officials from cutting corners.
“We will visit the scenes of all projects, whether completed or ongoing,” he affirmed, signaling that no project will escape scrutiny simply because it appears in official records.
The commissioner also appealed to residents of the two states to assist the commission by reporting any suspicions or complaints regarding constituency projects in their areas. This citizen engagement component is designed to complement the physical inspections and uncover discrepancies that might otherwise remain hidden.
Accountability in the Spotlight
Constituency projects—funds allocated to lawmakers for development initiatives in their districts—have long been a source of controversy in Nigeria, with allegations of poor execution, abandonment, and outright embezzlement frequently surfacing.
The ICPC’s tracking exercise is part of a broader effort to reclaim oversight of these funds and ensure they deliver tangible benefits to the communities they are meant to serve. By putting contractors and officials on notice, the commission hopes to shift the culture of impunity that has historically plagued project implementation.
As the two-week exercise unfolds, all eyes will be on Kano and Jigawa to see whether the promised accountability translates into real consequences for those found wanting.
Discover more from News247 Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
