Constituency Projects: Lawmakers, Contractors In ICPC N5.6bn Recouped List

About 50 contractors, consultants, government officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are currently under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)’s investigations regarding constituency projects.

According to reports, this initiative falls under phase five of the ongoing scrutiny conducted by the anti-graft agency, aimed at tracking the allocation and execution of constituency projects assigned to federal lawmakers.

While confirming this in a recent disclosure shared on its verified platform, the ICPC highlighted its focus on probing fraudulent practices associated with the award of contracts for Zonal Intervention Projects, commonly referred to as constituency projects. These projects were implemented under the budgets of 2019, 2020, and 2021 during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

,,,,””””””According to the ICPC, over 200 bank accounts implicated in illicit transactions related to these projects have been frozen, with an impressive cumulative recovery of over N5.6 billion in funds allocated to the Federal Government.

The report unveiled that as part of the investigations, a total of 50 individuals were detained, including legislators, MDA staff, contractors, and consultants.

“”””;;;;;;____,,Responding to these developments, the House of Representatives’ spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, emphasized that the 10th National Assembly bears no responsibility for the procurement irregularities identified. He clarified that the implicated individuals served during the period between 2019 and 2022, predating the 10th Assembly’s tenure, reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to transparency and accountability, expressing readiness to collaborate with anti-corruption agencies to ensure the integrity of the procurement process for constituency projects.

,,,,,,,,;;;;;;The ICPC’s scrutiny of constituency projects commenced in 2019, prompted by public dissatisfaction with the delivery of projects despite substantial budget allocations. Prior to the fifth phase, the agency had monitored approximately 4,000 projects worth over N200 billion.

However, for the fifth phase, 1,377 projects were initially selected, out of which 712 across 20 states and the six geopolitical zones were finalized for tracking. The report disclosed significant savings amounting to N5.62 billion, comprising cash recoveries, asset recoveries, and the value of projects where contractors recommenced work.

….,,——–The investigation also revealed various irregularities, including the diversion of funds intended for training projects and the misuse of empowerment items. The ICPC underscored its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in the execution of constituency projects, a critical component of its anti-corruption mandate.