The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has tracked 35 Federal Government projects worth N4.61 billion in Zamfara State as part of its efforts to ensure public funds are properly used.
The Team Leader of the tracking exercise, Dr Murtala Bankano, disclosed this during a news briefing in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, on Saturday.
He said the projects were monitored under the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative, a programme designed to ensure that government-funded projects are executed according to approved standards and deliver value for money.
According to Bankano, the tracking initiative was developed by the ICPC in collaboration with the Budget Office of the Federation. He added that other partners include the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), members of the media, and other key stakeholders.
He explained that the purpose of the exercise is to check whether contractors are delivering projects as specified and to prevent waste, abandonment, or diversion of public funds.
Public project monitoring has become an important part of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts in recent years. Many communities across the country have complained about abandoned projects, poor quality work, and facilities that do not meet the needs of the people.
By physically visiting project sites, the ICPC says it can confirm whether allocated funds are being properly used.
Bankano said the 35 projects tracked in Zamfara State fall under six sectors. These include education, health, water resources, power, empowerment, and agriculture.
These sectors are considered critical to development, especially in states like Zamfara where many communities face challenges related to access to schools, hospitals, clean water, electricity, and farming support.
Zamfara, located in the North-West region, has faced serious security challenges in recent years due to banditry and attacks on rural communities. The insecurity has affected farming activities, access to public services, and general development.
The ICPC team leader noted that the projects inspected were at different stages of completion. While some were near completion, others still required more work.
He urged contractors handling any of the projects with outstanding issues to return to site immediately and complete their assignments.
“Although the exercise is waiting for the NIQS report to determine the specific gauge of those projects in question, we are directing all contractors with any issue to return to site immediately,” Bankano said.
The NIQS is expected to provide technical assessment reports on the quality and level of completion of the projects. Quantity surveyors play a key role in evaluating construction costs and ensuring that projects meet approved specifications.
The Zamfara inspection forms part of phase eight of the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative. The initiative covers projects funded through both constituency allocations by members of the National Assembly and executive projects implemented by federal ministries, departments, and agencies.
Over the years, constituency projects have attracted public attention due to allegations of poor execution and lack of transparency. Civil society groups have called for stricter monitoring to ensure that projects meant for communities are not abandoned after funds are released.
The ICPC says its tracking initiative is aimed at improving transparency and strengthening public trust in government spending.
Bankano stressed that the main goal of the tracking exercise is to ensure value for money. This means that every naira allocated to a project should result in visible and measurable benefits for the people.
He explained that the commission is not only interested in identifying problems but also in ensuring corrective action is taken where necessary.
Anti-corruption experts say that project tracking helps prevent inflated contracts, substandard work, and ghost projects. It also sends a message to contractors and public officials that government spending is being closely monitored.
Residents of Zamfara State have often expressed concern over the slow pace of development in some areas, especially rural communities. Access to clean water, functional health centres, and good schools remains a major issue in parts of the state.
Agriculture, which is the main source of livelihood for many families, has also been affected by insecurity and lack of infrastructure.
The ICPC has assured the public that it will continue to monitor federal projects not only in Zamfara but across the country.
