The Federal Government has informed the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that it does not possess detailed records identifying local contractors involved in the controversial $460 million Abuja CCTV project funded through a Chinese loan.

The disclosure was made by the Federal Ministry of Finance in response to ongoing contempt proceedings initiated by SERAP over alleged non-compliance with a Federal High Court judgment directing the release of information relating to the project.

In a letter dated May 15, 2026, and signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, R.O. Omachi, the government stated that available records from the Ministry of Police Affairs indicated that local subcontractors may have participated in the project, but no detailed records exist identifying the Nigerian companies involved.

SERAP Raises Transparency Concerns

Reacting to the development, SERAP described the disclosure as disturbing and questioned the transparency and accountability surrounding the implementation of the project.

In a follow-up letter dated May 23, 2026, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation argued that Nigerians still lack clarity on the identities of local contractors despite an existing court judgment delivered in May 2023.

According to SERAP:

“Nigerians still do not know exactly the names of local contractors for the project. The absence of this information raises serious concerns about record keeping, transparency and accountability.”

The group stated that the partial information released by the government only came after contempt proceedings and a Notice to Show Cause were initiated earlier in 2026.

Questions Over Missing Project Items

SERAP also queried discrepancies surrounding missing project inventory.

According to records cited by the Ministry, only 61,970 items were reportedly delivered out of the expected 68,005 units under the National Public Security Communication System project, popularly known as the Abuja CCTV project.

The organisation demanded clarification regarding approximately 6,035 missing items and sought answers on whether they were paid for, delivered, recovered, or installed.

SERAP also requested details on the operational status of surveillance systems installed across Abuja.

Chinese Loan and Project Funding

The Ministry disclosed that Nigeria secured approximately $399.5 million from the Export-Import Bank of China between 2011 and 2013 for the project, while the Nigerian government contributed an additional $70.5 million as counterpart funding.

The government also confirmed that Chinese telecommunications company ZTE Corporation served as the principal contractor, while payments were processed through the Shenzhen branch of the Bank of China.

SERAP has now given the Ministry of Finance a 48-hour deadline to fully disclose the names of all local contractors, consultants, vendors, and subcontractors connected to the project or risk continued contempt proceedings.

The post FG Tells SERAP It Has No Detailed Records of Local Contractors in $460m Abuja CCTV Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Government Girls’ College Bwari has come under scrutiny after records revealed it disbursed N59.2 million to three private companies in a single day without providing any explanation for the transactions.

The payments, made on March 26, were flagged in an investigation by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), which noted that all entries were marked simply as “None” under purpose.

Breakdown of Payments

According to the findings, the funds were distributed among three companies:

Ammy and Chichi Trading Ventures received N24.6 million across three separate transactions

Abu-Talib Investment Nigeria Limited was paid N17.6 million in two instalments

Salmaz Ventures got N16.9 million

Each payment lacked a clear description, raising questions about compliance with financial transparency standards.

Repeated Pattern of Vague Spending

This is not the first time the institution has recorded such transactions. Reports indicate that similar payments were made to the same companies in December 2025, also without detailed explanations.

The pattern suggests a recurring issue in financial documentation and disclosure within the college’s accounting system.

Procurement Law Raises Red Flags

While the payments may not be outright illegal, their vague documentation appears inconsistent with Nigeria’s procurement regulations.

The Public Procurement Act 2007 mandates:

• Transparency and accountability in public spending
• Proper documentation of procurement processes
• Clear records stating the purpose of all transactions

Failure to provide such details can undermine public trust and complicate oversight.

Accountability Questions Mount

Investigators say the absence of clear descriptions makes it difficult to determine whether due process was followed or whether the funds were appropriately utilised.

Public institutions are expected to maintain detailed records, especially when handling taxpayer funds.

Wider Concerns Across Government Agencies

The case adds to a growing list of public institutions flagged for similar financial practices, where large sums are disbursed with little or no explanation.

Analysts warn that such trends could weaken accountability frameworks and create loopholes for financial mismanagement.

Calls for Investigation

The revelations have intensified calls for closer scrutiny of financial activities within government-funded institutions.

Stakeholders are urging relevant oversight bodies to review the transactions and ensure compliance with procurement laws.

Source: FIJ

The post FGGC Bwari Paid N59.2m to Three Firms in One Day Without Explanation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Minister of Works, , has called on anti-graft agencies to investigate contracts and ongoing projects under the ministry in a move to reinforce transparency and accountability.

Umahi invited the (EFCC) and the (ICPC) to scrutinise all procurement processes and project execution within the ministry.

He stated that the ministry has nothing to hide, stressing that all procedures from tendering to implementation followed due process.

Ministry insists on transparency

Speaking in Abuja, Umahi said relevant documents and project files are open for inspection by the agencies.

He revealed that while the ICPC has completed a preliminary report, the EFCC is still conducting its review.

Shift to concrete roads highlighted

The minister also defended the ministry’s decision to shift from asphalt to concrete roads, noting that the approach is designed to ensure durability and reduce maintenance costs over time.

According to him, the goal is to construct roads that can last up to 100 years with minimal repairs.

Call for responsible reporting

Umahi urged journalists to verify information before publication, emphasizing that inaccurate reporting can affect public perception and ongoing infrastructure efforts.

He also commended President for prioritising infrastructure development across the country.

Push for accountability in infrastructure

The move signals the ministry’s attempt to build public trust and demonstrate accountability, especially amid growing scrutiny of government projects.

The post Umahi Invites EFCC, ICPC to Probe Works Ministry Projects appeared first on Housing TV Africa.