The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched the monitoring of 64 executive and constituency projects valued at about N21.6 billion across Sokoto State.

The exercise is part of Phase 8 of the ICPC’s Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking (CEPT) programme, currently underway in several states nationwide.

Speaking on Monday, the team leader, Aminu Bala, said the monitoring team would inspect projects spanning key sectors such as health, education, water supply, agriculture, special intervention, and electrification.

Bala disclosed that preliminary inspections had uncovered irregularities in some projects located in Kalambaina and Gwuiwa in Wamakko Local Government Area, as well as Mabera and Mana in Sokoto South LGA.

According to him, the affected projects failed to meet contractual specifications and would require corrective action.

“However, in all the projects identified, our team has directed the contractors to immediately return to site and carry out the necessary corrections,” he said.

The projects flagged include a science laboratory at Senior Secondary School, Kalambaina, and water schemes in Gwuiwa, Mabera, and Mana.

Bala further explained that the 64 projects were awarded by 14 Federal Government agencies and were expected to have been fully executed at an estimated cost of N21.6 billion.

He noted that the monitoring team comprises representatives of the ICPC, the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, civil society organisations, and members of the media.

“Our mandate is to monitor and assess project performance, verify the value of work done, identify contractors, examine payment details, and determine the current status of each project,” Bala stated.

He added that the initiative is also aimed at evaluating the value and overall impact of the projects on the benefiting communities.