EFCC, ICPC accuse lawmakers of executing constituency projects through proxies
24 September 2024 |
5:15 am
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) have accused some lawmakers of using proxies to execute constituency projects.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) have accused some lawmakers of using proxies to execute constituency projects.
EFCC and ICPC dropped the allegation during a Policy Dialogue on the ‘Role of the Private Sector in the Implementation of Constituency Projects in Nigeria held in Abuja, yesterday.
Apart from that, the bidding processes were allegedly selective, only given to contractors based on their interest, contrary to the claim that lawmakers do not have input in the nomination of contractors or the execution of their constituency projects.
The issue, the anti-graft agencies said, contributed to the lack of transparency, leading to many abandoned constituency projects that litter many federal constituencies and senatorial districts across the country.
Represented by Dr Eze Johnson at the dialogue, the EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, highlighted the challenges posed by corruption and called for enhanced monitoring and transparency in grassroots development projects.
The event was initiated by OrderPaper Nigeria as part of a broader effort to promote accountability in governance in the form of advocacy.
In his presentation at the event, the EFCC boss expressed concern over the widespread corruption in the execution of constituency projects, also known as Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs).
He emphasised the need for a stronger collaboration between anti-corruption agencies, contractors, government ministries and local communities to ensure accountability in project execution.
Using 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, he said: “It is easier, cheaper, and faster to prevent fraud than to address it after the damage is done.
“We follow the money and often find it going to places it should not be.”
He urged stakeholders, contractors, sponsors and local communities to ensure that projects meet the needs of the grassroots.
Also, ICPC cited legislators’ connivance with contractors in the execution or abandonment of projects.
Speaking at the National Accept Media Programme, Secretary to ICPC, Clifford Okudiraparao, who represented the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Aliu, discussed the need for enhanced monitoring and collaboration to prevent corruption and diversion of public funds.
Aliu 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.
“The ICPC launched the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) in 2019, to proactively prevent fraud by monitoring the implementation of constituency projects across the country,” he said.
The ICPC official also pointed out the importance of local councils’ involvement, particularly considering the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming their financial autonomy. He argued that local governments, being closer to the grassroots, must play a more active role in ensuring the proper execution of projects that directly affect their communities.
According to the leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, the National Assembly plays a pivotal role in ensuring constituency projects are implemented effectively.
He added, “While lawmakers do not execute these projects, they are responsible for legislative oversight, budgetary approval and ensuring transparency in the procurement process. Through strong legislative frameworks and public engagement, the National Assembly helps ensure the projects meet the needs of local communities and serve their intended purposes.”
The Executive Director of OrderPaper Nigeria, OkeEpia, called for increased private sector involvement in constituency projects to combat corruption and inefficiency. He pointed out that although approximately N100 billion was allocated to constituency projects yearly, their benefits were often not realised due to a lack of transparency and accountability.
He emphasised that while lawmakers often get the blame for unsuccessful projects, their role was primarily to nominate projects.
He called for more scrutiny of contractors, as their performances significantly influence project outcomes, and highlighted the responsibility of financial institutions in managing funds related to these projects.
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