EFCC, ICPC accuse lawmakers of using proxies for constituency projects

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) have accused some lawmakers of allegedly utilising proxies to execute constituency Projects.

Apart from that, the bidding process is alleged to be selective as it is only given to contractors based on their interests.

This is in contrast to claims that lawmakers do not have input in the nomination of contractors or the execution of their constituency projects.

The said it also contributed to the lack of transparency leading to many abandoned constituency projects that litter many federal constituencies and senatorial districts across Nigeria.

Dr. Eze Johnson who represented the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Alanipekun Olukoyede, highlighted corruption challenges and called for enhanced monitoring and transparency in grassroots development projects during A Policy Dialogue on the role of the Private Sector in the Implementation of Constituency Projects in Nigeria.

The event was initiated by OrderPaper Nigeria as part of a broader effort to promote accountability in governance in form of Advocacy Initiative

In his presentation at the Policy Dialogue on grassroots development, Johnson expressed concern over the widespread corruption in the execution of constituency projects, also known as Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs).

He emphasized the need for a stronger collaboration between anti-corruption agencies, contractors, government ministries, and local communities to ensure accountability in project execution.

Johnson noted that while the EFCC is often seen as an enforcement body dealing with economic and financial crimes after they occur, prevention is equally vital.

He used the metaphor of turning off the tap to prevent a flood rather than mopping up water after it spills to explain the importance of proactive measures. “It’s easier, cheaper, and faster to prevent fraud than to address it after the damage is done,” he remarked.

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Johnson raised key issues concerning the abandonment and mismanagement of ZIPs, revealing that investigations often uncover inflated bills of quantities and under-delivered work.

He shared a real-world example of an abandoned school block project, where funds were disbursed, but substandard materials were used, and funds were diverted. “We follow the money and often find it going to places it shouldn’t be,” he said.

He further identified conflict of interest issues, noting that some contractors behind the projects have personal or political ties to legislators, creating a lack of transparency in the tendering process.

He emphasized the need for open tendering processes rather than selective ones, which allow for favoritism and corruption.

Johnson concluded by urging all stakeholders, contractors, sponsors, and local communities to take responsibility for ensuring that projects meet the needs of the grassroots.

“It’s not just the contractors who are responsible; it’s also the sponsors and the communities who must be vigilant and involved,” he said.

In the same vein the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) also referred legislators connivance with contractors in the execution of abandoned projects

He emphasized the critical role of the private sector in ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of constituency projects across Nigeria.

Speaking at the National Accept Media Programme, Secretary to the Commission, Clifford Okudiraparao, who represented ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliu, discussed the need for enhanced monitoring and collaboration to prevent corruption and the diversion of public funds.

Okudiraparao highlighted the rampant misuse of funds allocated for constituency projects, pointing out how contractors, often in connivance with public officials, abandon projects or deliver substandard work.

“Constituency projects have become a red flag for systematic corruption, with funds being siphoned off and communities left underserved,” he stated.

“The ICPC launched the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) in 2019, designed to proactively prevent fraud by monitoring the implementation of constituency projects across the country.

“According to Okudiraparao, the initiative has tracked over 3,485 projects worth ₦433 billion from 2019 to 2023, compelling over 500 contractors to return to sites to complete abandoned projects.

“This initiative has saved the government hundreds of billions of Naira and ensured that projects benefit the grassroots as intended,” he said.

Okudiraparao urged the private sector, civil society, and the media to increase their involvement in monitoring these projects.