Nationwide Verification of Constituency Projects Launched to Ensure Quality, Curb Corruption

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have begun a joint nationwide verification and tracking exercise for constituency and zonal intervention projects executed by the ministry.

The initiative aims to ensure all projects are delivered according to approved specifications, promote transparency, and guarantee value for public funds. Teams from both agencies have been deployed across the country for on-the-spot inspections to assess project status and quality.

Representing the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the Director of the ministry’s Special Projects Unit, Olatunde Ajayi, stated the exercise is designed to evaluate the impact of the projects and ensure Nigerians receive the intended socio-economic benefits. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to accountability and warned that contractors found lacking would face corrective action or be required to make refunds.

“This joint verification… is aimed at evaluating the impact of these projects and ensuring that they are executed to standard for the benefit of the people,” Belgore said.

ICPC’s Head of Constituency Projects Tracking, Bello Idris Bakori, explained that the commission’s involvement aligns with its mandate to prevent corruption through proactive monitoring. He said the effort is meant to deter malpractice and ensure that allocated funds result in tangible development.

The exercise commenced with inspections in Kano State, covering projects such as solar streetlight installations, a sporting facility complex, and road construction. The tracking continues nationwide.

This effort expands on the ICPC’s existing project tracking initiative, which since 2019 has worked to ensure public funds are properly utilized, often recovering funds and compelling contractors to complete abandoned projects.