Reps to Question Abuja’s $460m CCTV contract
The House of Representatives has begun an investigation into the $460 million contract for the Abuja Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) project. The decision follows growing public concern over the project’s lack of visible results despite the huge amount of money spent and the ongoing repayment of the loan used to fund it.
The contract, which was awarded during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was executed by a Chinese company and financed through a loan from the China Export-Import Bank. It was intended to enhance security in the Federal Capital Territory by installing CCTV cameras across strategic locations. However, several years after its initiation, the system has failed to operate effectively, and Abuja continues to experience rising insecurity.
During plenary, the motion to investigate the project was sponsored by lawmaker Amobi Ogah, who expressed concern that despite the financial commitment, there has been little to show for the investment. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in government contracts, especially those involving large foreign loans.
The House directed its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Finance, and Public Accounts to conduct a comprehensive review of the contract. They are to assess the terms of the loan, payments made to contractors, compliance with procurement laws, and the current state of the CCTV installations. The committees are expected to present their findings within four weeks for further legislative action.
Analysts believe the probe could help uncover the reasons behind the project’s failure and ensure better management of future security infrastructure investments in Nigeria.
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