Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered potential fraud in constituency projects executed between 2019 and 2021. The agency’s phase five tracking exercise revealed irregularities in projects initiated by lawmakers during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The ICPC report identified suspicious activity in contracts awarded for these projects, also known as Zonal Intervention Projects. Over 50 individuals, including lawmakers, government agency staff, contractors, and consultants, are currently under investigation.
The anti-graft agency also froze around 200 bank accounts suspected to be linked to illegal dealings related to the projects. Their efforts have reportedly recovered over N5.6 billion ($12.7 million) for the federal government.
“The investigations involved the detention of no fewer than 50 persons,” the ICPC report stated.
However, the House of Representatives distanced itself from the alleged wrongdoing. Spokesperson Akin Rotimi clarified that the implicated individuals served in the previous assembly (2019-2022).
The ICPC report details various methods used to exploit the project funds. These include:
- Shortchanging beneficiaries: Training programs designed to last for weeks were completed in a single day, with allocated funds for the remaining days disappearing.
- Hoarding of materials meant for empowerment initiatives.
- Project abandonment or refusal to fulfill contractual obligations.
- Overpaying contractors for services rendered.
- Unequal distribution of project resources across communities.
The investigation covered a wide range of constituency projects including:
- Empowerment and capacity building: 331 projects
- Education: 123 projects
- Water supply: 69 projects
- Agriculture: 51 projects
- Power: 51 projects
- Healthcare: 24 projects
- Road infrastructure: 25 projects
- Information and communications technology (ICT): 8 projects
- Environment and natural resources: 4 projects
- Arts and culture: 7 projects
- Law enforcement and security: 4 projects
- Trade and investment: 6 projects
The ICPC report focused on projects across 20 Nigerian states. Abia state had the highest number of tracked projects (99), followed by Anambra (73) and Delta (53).
The ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, confirmed the ongoing prosecution of a House of Representatives member for constituency project fraud. She emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring project delivery and recovering misappropriated funds.
“This doesn’t only involve legislators; there’s the factor of contractors and public servants,” Ogugua added, highlighting the investigation’s broader scope.
This latest development raises concerns about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s constituency project system. The ICPC’s findings underscore the need for stricter oversight to ensure these projects genuinely benefit the communities they are intended to serve.
