ICPC monitors 1,932 projects across 25 states and FCT

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has unveiled its ambitious plan to embark on an extensive project-tracking endeavor, covering a total of 1,932 constituency and executive projects distributed across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This significant initiative is aimed at scrutinizing projects valued at a staggering N500 billion, all of which were initiated in 2019 within these 25 states and the FCT. The exercise is slated to commence on the 16th of October and will span all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, representing a substantial nationwide effort to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, the spokesperson of ICPC, made this revelation in Abuja on a Friday. She emphasized that this comprehensive project-tracking operation is geared towards ensuring that all government-funded initiatives are not only completed to the stipulated standards but also adhere to regulatory requirements, thereby guaranteeing that the government receives optimal value for the financial resources invested in these projects.

The focal states identified for this pivotal Phase 6 tracking exercise include Benue, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Bauchi, Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Plateau, Taraba, Gombe, and Yobe. Additionally, the ICPC will extend its scrutiny to other states such as Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

The goals of this project-tracking endeavor are multifaceted, aimed at improving service delivery to the public. One key aspect involves investigating potential misappropriation of funds and fraudulent procurement practices. By doing so, ICPC seeks to bolster accountability in the allocation of public contracts and ensure that all government-funded projects are executed in line with the specified standards. As Mrs. Ogugua elucidated, “The objectives of the exercise include improved service delivery to the people by investigating fraudulent procurement practices in the award of public contracts and full execution of all publicly funded projects. Execution to the specification of all projects funded by the government, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and ensuring that the government gets value for monies spent on projects.”

The scope of ICPC’s oversight extends to special intervention agencies and capital funds projects, thereby encompassing initiatives such as the North-East Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty Programme, and Niger Delta Development Commission. Moreover, the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ecological Fund Office, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), and Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) will also be subjects of scrutiny. This concerted effort to enhance transparency and accountability underscores ICPC’s dedication to safeguarding public funds and promoting good governance.

To ensure the success of this substantial undertaking, Mrs. Ogugua emphasized that ICPC would collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), the media, and civil society organizations. This collaboration ensures that the exercise is conducted efficiently and that all relevant parties work together to achieve the common goal of enhancing the integrity of public projects and financial management.

In summary, ICPC’s latest project-tracking initiative is a pivotal step towards ensuring the effective and transparent utilization of government funds and resources. By focusing on a vast array of projects across numerous states, the commission aims to strengthen accountability, eliminate fraudulent practices, and improve service delivery, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian public and the nation as a whole.