In a bid to tackle corruption and ensure transparency in government projects, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully tracked a total of over 219.8 billion naira across 176 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) over the past five years.
Speaking at a press conference held in Lagos on Monday, Musa Aliyu, the chairperson of the commission, highlighted the significant achievements of the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Group (CEPTG) initiative, which was launched in 2015. This initiative focuses on critical sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure, spanning 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) across all six geo-political zones.
Aliyu emphasized that the CEPTG serves as a powerful tool against corruption, monitoring project progress, ensuring contractors deliver on their obligations, and analyzing budgets to identify potential irregularities. He further stated that the initiative has led to successful recoveries and prosecutions, ultimately ensuring that government projects translate into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
He said that phase six of the tracking exercise, which commenced in November and ran through the first quarter of 2024, covered key sectors including health, agriculture, education, water resources, and power across 26 states and the FCT.
Aliyu noted that a final report of the exercise will be published and made public, highlighting the outcomes and further actions taken by the commission.
In addition to tracking projects, the ICPC is conducting further investigations into infractions discovered, including underperforming projects, shoddy executions, abandoned projects, and misappropriation of empowerment items meant for vulnerable Nigerians.
Aliyu underscored the commission’s commitment to collaboration with other agencies, including the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and others, to strengthen anti-corruption efforts and promote accountability in Nigeria.
