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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched the seventh phase of its “Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Exercise,” targeting 1,500 projects valued at ₦610 billion across 22 states in Nigeria.
Scope and Objectives
The initiative, which began on Monday, November 18, 2024, aims to ensure compliance with contractual agreements, promote due diligence, and maximize value for public funds. It focuses on key sectors, including education, health, agriculture, water resources, and power.
A statement published on the ICPC’s website emphasized the importance of ensuring that government-approved contracts are executed according to specifications for the benefit of constituents.
“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 specifications contained in the contract documents,” the Commission stated.
States and Agencies Covered
The tracking exercise spans 22 states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including Kwara, Niger, Kogi, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Borno, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Abia, and Enugu.
The ICPC also disclosed that this phase will involve tracking projects executed by notable government agencies such as:
- North-East Development Commission (NEDC)
- Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
- National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA)
- Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
- Rural Electrification Agency (REA)
- National Primary Health Care Development Authority (NPHCDA)
- Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND)
- Ecological Fund Office
Progress in Previous Phases
During Phase 6 of the exercise, the ICPC tracked 1,900 projects valued at ₦500 billion in 24 states. These projects were executed by 1,355 contractors under 176 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The ICPC’s ongoing efforts highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, ensuring that public funds are used effectively to benefit citizens.
Strengthened Investigative Powers
The ICPC’s mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption has been bolstered by a Supreme Court ruling affirming its authority, alongside the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to combat financial crimes nationwide.
Between January 2 and August 2, 2024, the ICPC filed 54 cases and secured 11 convictions, while the EFCC achieved 2,387 convictions during the same period. Speaking during the Supreme Court’s 2024/2025 legal year opening, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Kekere-Ekun, reaffirmed the judiciary’s role in supporting anti-graft agencies.
Broader Implications
This tracking exercise underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to fostering transparency and ensuring the judicious use of public resources. It also reinforces the ICPC’s role in curbing corruption and promoting accountability in public projects.
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