(DDM) – A new civic accountability report has raised serious concerns about how federal projects are executed across Nigeria after uncovering dozens of cases described as fraudulent, abandoned, or poorly delivered.
The findings have triggered renewed debate about transparency and public spending under the current administration.
Tracka, the citizen-led monitoring platform of BudgIT, released the 2024/2025 project tracking report detailing the outcomes of thousands of government-funded projects.
The platform said it tracked 2,760 projects spread across 28 states in Nigeria.
According to the report, 1,438 projects reached completion.
Another 660 projects remain ongoing.
The report also found that 471 projects were never executed despite budgetary allocations.
Ninety-nine projects were classified as abandoned.
More controversially, Tracka flagged 92 projects valued at N15.07 billion as fraudulently delivered.
The report defined fraudulent delivery as cases involving diversion of funds, relocation of projects, payments for already executed works, partial delivery, or substandard implementation.
Imo, Lagos, Kwara, Abia, and Ogun states recorded the highest numbers of such projects.
Tracka said these five states alone accounted for 57.1 percent of the fraud cases.
That portion represents N8.61 billion in project value.
The platform expanded its monitoring to key infrastructure sectors.
It examined dams, healthcare facilities, and Niger Delta interventions.
The report linked dam monitoring to Nigeria’s repeated national grid collapses recorded in 2024.
Tracka assessed 16 dam projects across 13 states worth N432 million.
None of those dam projects had reached completion.
Four were abandoned.
Six were moving slowly.
Six had not even started despite funding approval.
Healthcare infrastructure also showed mixed results.
Tracka assessed 47 revitalised primary healthcare centres across 25 states.
Twenty-six showed visible improvements.
Twelve were still under renovation.
Eight showed no sign of work.
One facility was completely abandoned.
The report said poor staffing, limited equipment, and sanitation challenges still affect many communities.
Residents in such areas often travel long distances to seek medical care.
In the Niger Delta region, Tracka tracked 48 federal projects across four states.
These states include Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, and Rivers.
Twenty-nine projects were completed.
Thirteen never commenced.
Four remained ongoing.
Two could not be located despite confirmed funding.
Despite the negative findings, the report highlighted positive examples.
Tracka documented 15 cases where citizen engagement improved outcomes.
These included a revitalised primary healthcare centre in Kaida Sabo.
It also listed a renovated primary school in Plateau State.
A previously stalled healthcare centre in Ikirun reached completion.
Some empowerment programs for persons with disabilities in Katsina progressed.
Erosion control efforts in Rivers and borehole projects in Akwa Ibom also recorded success.
Tracka’s Head, Joshua Osiyemi, emphasized citizen participation.
He argued that small increases in public oversight could significantly reduce corruption.
He said if just five percent of Nigerians actively monitored projects, oversight could cover up to half of public projects.
He linked stronger monitoring to improved service delivery and quality of life.
Civic groups in Nigeria have increasingly used data to demand accountability.
Public finance analysts say monitoring helps reveal gaps between budget approvals and real outcomes.
Government officials often respond that procurement and logistics challenges can delay delivery.
Still, citizens frequently question why funded projects stall.
The latest report adds pressure on authorities to strengthen oversight and enforcement.
It also highlights the role communities can play in tracking local projects.
As budget sizes grow yearly, accountability debates are likely to intensify.
For many Nigerians, the core concern remains whether public funds truly translate into visible development.
The Tracka findings now place that question back in the national spotlight.
