The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has commenced the tracking of more than 25 capital projects valued at N2.2 billion in Ebonyi State. The projects span 13 local government areas and are part of constituency interventions funded through federal allocations.
The tracking exercise is aimed at assessing the level of implementation and ensuring that the projects are delivered according to approved specifications. It also seeks to confirm that public funds appropriated for the projects are properly utilised.
Upon arrival in the state, members of the ICPC tracking team visited several project sites. The locations inspected include Ebonyi, Ohaukwu, Ezza North and Ishielu local government areas.
Among the projects inspected was a newly constructed laboratory at the Ebonyi State College of Health Sciences in Ezzamgbo. The project was facilitated by the lawmaker representing Ebonyi/Ohaukwu Federal Constituency.
The laboratory was built and equipped by the Centre for Management Development. The facility is expected to enhance practical learning and improve training standards for students of the institution.
The team also tracked streetlight projects facilitated by Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi. The installations are located within the Ebonyi North Senatorial Zone.
According to the commission, the streetlight projects are intended to improve security and enhance nighttime visibility in benefiting communities. The inspection focused on verifying their functionality and compliance with contract specifications.
In Ebonyi Central, the team monitored empowerment programmes facilitated by Senator Ken Eze. The programmes involved the distribution of various items to constituents across several local government areas.
The empowerment initiatives were designed to support small-scale businesses and improve livelihoods. The tracking team assessed whether the items were delivered as approved and reached the intended beneficiaries.
Additional projects inspected include streetlight installations in Amagu, located in Ezza South Local Government Area. The team also visited feeder road projects in farm settlements within the same local government area.
The feeder roads are aimed at improving access to agricultural areas and easing the transportation of farm produce. Inspectors examined the quality of construction work and the current state of completion.
The ICPC stated that the purpose of the tracking exercise is to ensure satisfactory completion of all projects. It emphasised the importance of proper utilisation of funds appropriated for constituency interventions.
The commission explained that tracking enables it to identify gaps between approved contracts and actual delivery on the ground. It added that such oversight promotes accountability and transparency in public spending.
According to the ICPC, contractors found to have deviated from agreed specifications would be directed to return to site. The commission warned that it would not hesitate to take further action where necessary.
It further noted that in cases where contracts are found to have been improperly executed, it may recommend the recovery of funds already disbursed. Such measures, it said, are intended to safeguard public resources.
The commission reiterated that the tracking exercise is a preventive strategy against corruption. It forms part of broader efforts to ensure that constituency projects deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
The tracking team comprises officials from the ICPC and representatives of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. Members of civil society organisations and the media are also part of the exercise.
The inclusion of professional bodies and civil society groups is aimed at strengthening credibility and transparency. Media participation is expected to enhance public awareness of the findings.
Constituency projects are funded through budgetary allocations to lawmakers for development initiatives in their constituencies. Such projects typically cover infrastructure, education, health and empowerment programmes.
The ICPC has in recent years intensified the monitoring of these projects nationwide. The commission maintains that effective tracking reduces the risk of abandoned or poorly executed projects.
In Ebonyi State, the current exercise covers projects distributed across the three senatorial zones. The commission said it would compile its findings and make appropriate recommendations based on observations.
Officials indicated that the exercise would continue until all identified projects within the state are assessed. The outcome is expected to determine the level of compliance with contractual obligations.
The ICPC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that public funds translate into measurable development outcomes. It stressed that accountability remains central to its mandate of combating corruption and related offences.
