(DDM) – The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has called on Nigerians to actively investigate and monitor projects implemented in their communities.
Speaking during the four-day annual inspection exercise in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Okam Okuku, Head of the Executive and Constituency Project Tracking Team, emphasized that community involvement would enhance the quality and accountability of project delivery.
Okuku encouraged citizens to engage with their Senators and House of Representatives members before the initiation of any constituency project to ensure that the projects meet local needs and priorities.
He stressed that constituency projects are funded by federal allocations, highlighting that taxes paid by citizens contribute to these initiatives. He explained that legislators act as conduits for bringing federal resources to communities rather than providing personal favours.
“Constituency projects are funded by the budget and it is a federal government-funded initiative. If you pay tax in Nigeria, those community constituency projects are part of your tax contribution. The senator or the house of assembly member is only a conduit to bring federal resources to your locality,” Okuku stated.
Sharing insights from the tracking exercise, he noted that about 25% of lapses had been discovered among contractors. He added that contractors failing to deliver as required would either be recalled or required to refund the government.
“This year, we are tracking 71 projects along with six primary health care projects, making a total of 76. At one of the primary health centres in Ibesikpo Asutan, solarization that should have been installed was missing,” Okuku reported.
He highlighted examples of both successes and failures. Some facilities had solar panels and boreholes fully functional, while others were left incomplete or improperly planned. He cited instances where deep freezers were distributed to communities without electricity, pointing out that proper consultation could have ensured electricity was prioritized first.
“A constituency office should be where constituents go to tell their representative or senator their real needs. When presenting projects, it must align with what the community actually requires,” Okuku advised.
The ICPC’s directive reflects a push for greater citizen participation in the monitoring of public projects to prevent corruption and improve service delivery. Citizens are encouraged to use constituency offices as channels to communicate needs, track project progress, and hold contractors accountable.
By actively engaging with representatives and overseeing projects, communities can ensure that government funds are effectively utilized, and projects deliver tangible benefits.
The commission’s tracking efforts aim to foster transparency, reduce misuse of resources, and instil a culture of accountability in project execution across Nigeria.
Okuku concluded by urging Nigerians to view community project monitoring as a civic responsibility that safeguards public resources and promotes meaningful development.
Through citizen involvement, the ICPC hopes to create a more accountable governance system where federal and local projects directly respond to the needs of the people.
