In a bid to strengthen accountability in public projects, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has opened discussions with the Ugandan government on potential collaboration in Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking (CEPT).
The move was highlighted during a study visit on Tuesday by Uganda’s Parliamentary Budget Committee members, to the ICPC, JJ headquarters in Abuja. The visit was part of their program at the Nigerian Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
Welcoming the delegation, ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSR, emphasized the significance of project tracking in Africa’s development landscape.
“Project tracking requires expertise, especially in Africa, where community-based projects are often hijacked by individuals,” he said. “It is a critical area of concern, and we welcome collaboration to share insights and best practices.”
Dr. Aliyu noted that Nigeria, through ICPC’s Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative (CEPTi), has made significant strides in curbing corruption and ensuring effective public service delivery. He expressed optimism that Uganda could adopt a similar model tailored to its governance structure.
Vice Chairman of Uganda’s Parliamentary Budget Committee and leader of the delegation, Honourable Remigio Achia, commended ICPC’s efforts and expressed keen interest in adopting similar measures.
“Although constituency project funds were previously removed from Uganda’s budget, we are now on the verge of restoring them. It is crucial to study ICPC’s approach to prevent funds mismanagement,” Achia stated.
The visit featured a detailed presentation by Mr. Jimoh Oladapo Sulahiman, Deputy Director and Head of CEPTi at ICPC, titled ‘CEPTi as a Vehicle for Good Governance.’ Sulahiman outlined how Nigeria’s constituency project framework ensures budget allocations are effectively utilized for community development.
