Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched Phase 7 of its Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Exercise, aiming to track 1,500 projects valued at N610 billion across 22 states in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
This initiative, which began in 2019, monitors how government-allocated funds are utilized in critical sectors such as education, health, agriculture, water resources, and power.
The 22 states involved include Kwara, Niger, Kogi, FCT, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Abia, and Enugu.
The exercise will also cover various government agencies and intervention bodies like the North-East Development Commission and the Niger Delta Development Commission.
The information was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education and spokesman for the Commission, Demola Bakare.
He said the 7th phase involves 1,500 projects with a total project value of N610 billion, commenced on Monday, November 18th, 2024, in 22 states across the six geopolitical zones.
The objectives of the exercise are to deepen adherence to due process in project execution, improve value for money and entrench compliance with contract specifications.
““The objective of the exercise is to deepen adherence to due process in the execution of government projects, improve value for money, and entrench the culture of compliance with the scope and specification as contained in the contract documents.”, the statement said.
The ICPC’s previous phase (Phase 6) tracked 1,900 projects worth N500 billion across 24 states, focusing on sectors like Education, Water Resources, Agriculture, Power, Health, Energy, and Roads. These projects were awarded to 1,355 contractors in 176 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The statement further said, “ICPC tracked a total of 1,900 projects valued at N500 billion naira in phase 6 of the exercise across 24 states of the nation’s six geopolitical zones.
“The projects were tracked within the focal sectors of Education, Water Resources, Agriculture, Power, Health, Energy, and Roads.
“These projects in the 6th phase were awarded to a total of 1,355 contractors in 176 MDAs,”
By conducting this exercise, the ICPC seeks to promote transparency and accountability in government projects, ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently.
The commission’s efforts aim to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption stance and foster good governance.
The ICPC noted that it has made significant progress in its anti-corruption efforts, recovering funds and assets, and prosecuting offenders.
This latest phase of the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Exercise demonstrates the commission’s continued commitment to combating corruption and promoting transparency.
The exercise is expected to run smoothly, with the ICPC working closely with relevant stakeholders, including the Budget Office of the Federation, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Bureau of Public Procurement.
