ICPC Deploys Monitoring Team on 64 Federal Projects Worth N21.6bn in Sokoto

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced the monitoring of 64 executive and constituency projects valued at approximately N21.6 billion across Sokoto State.

The initiative forms part of Phase 8 of the Commission’s Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking (CEPT) programme, currently being implemented in states nationwide to ensure transparency and accountability in public project execution.

Speaking during the exercise on Monday, the team leader, Aminu Bala, disclosed that the projects under review cut across critical sectors, including health, education, water supply, agriculture, special intervention, and rural electrification.

Bala revealed that preliminary inspections uncovered irregularities in some projects located in Kalambaina and Gwuiwa in Wamakko Local Government Area, as well as Mabera and Mana in Sokoto South Local Government Area. According to him, the affected projects did not meet contractual specifications and would require immediate corrective measures.

“In all the projects identified with deficiencies, our team has directed the contractors to return to site without delay and effect the necessary corrections,” Bala stated.

Among the projects flagged were a science laboratory at Senior Secondary School, Kalambaina, and water supply schemes in Gwuiwa, Mabera, and Mana.

He further explained that the 64 projects were awarded by 14 Federal Government agencies and were expected to have been fully executed at a total estimated cost of N21.6 billion.

Bala noted that the monitoring team comprises officials of the ICPC, representatives of the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, civil society organisations, and members of the media.

“Our mandate is to monitor and evaluate project performance, verify the value of work done, identify contractors, examine payment records, and determine the current status of each project,” he said.

He added that the exercise is also aimed at assessing the value for money and overall impact of the projects on the benefiting communities.