The House of Representatives has ordered an investigation into the controversial $460 million Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) project in Abuja, following renewed concerns over rising insecurity and loss of lives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Isuikwuato/ Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, Amobi Godwin Ogah, at plenary, yesterday.
Moving the motion titled, “Urgent Need to Investigate the Rising Insecurity and Loss of Several Lives in Abuja, the Federal Capital, Despite the CCTV Project Secured with a Chinese Loan of $460 million,” Ogah lamented that despite the heavy investment in the facility, criminal activities have continued to escalate across the nation’s capital.
He recalled that the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan initiated the CCTV project to enhance surveillance and security monitoring in strategic areas of Abuja.
According to him, the Federal Government, through a delegation led by then Minister of Finance, Dr Olusegun Aganga, in 2010, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing with ZTE Communications, a Chinese firm, that was awarded the contract.
Ogah disclosed that the project was financed through a $460 million loan obtained from the China EXIM Bank, drawn from a $600 million soft credit facility with a 10-year grace period and another 10 years for repayment.
He, however, expressed worry that despite the ongoing repayment of the loan, the CCTV system has remained non-functional, while insecurity continues to worsen in Abuja.
Ogah said: “Concerned that despite this huge investment as well as the financial burden Nigeria is subjected to by way of servicing the loan, the impact of the CCTV is not felt in any manner. Rather than abating, the crime rate has soared in Abuja, leading to daily reports of deaths arising from unmonitored crimes around the Federal Capital.
“Worried that the current situation whereby Nigeria is paying heavily for this loan obtained from a Chinese bank to execute the non-functional CCTV contract undertaken curiously, also by a Chinese firm and contractor, leaves the country in a lose-lose nightmare.”
In his contribution, Edo lawmaker, Billy Osawaru, urged lawmakers to rise to their responsibilities by asking tough questions. Adopting the motion, the House resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the utilisation of the $460 million loan and ascertain why the project has failed to deliver its purpose of ensuring the safety of lives and property in the FCT.
The panel is to summon all relevant government agencies and contractors involved in the project execution and report back to the House for further legislative action.
