- The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission commenced tracking 64 executive and constituency projects valued at N21.6 billion in Sokoto State under Phase 8 of its monitoring programme
- The inspection, led by Aminu Bala, identified irregularities in projects across Wamakko and Sokoto South LGAs, including a science laboratory and water supply schemes that failed to meet specifications
- The ICPC directed contractors to return to site for corrective action and warned that any confirmed breaches of contract terms would attract sanctions in line with the law
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced the tracking of 64 executive and constituency projects valued at approximately N21.6 billion in Sokoto State as part of efforts to ensure accountability and value for public expenditure.
The exercise forms part of Phase 8 of the commission’s Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Programme, which is currently being implemented across several states of the federation. The initiative is designed to monitor the execution of federally funded projects and verify that they are delivered in accordance with approved specifications and budgets.
Speaking on Monday, the team leader, Mr Aminu Bala, disclosed that the inspection would cover projects spanning critical sectors such as health, education, water supply, agriculture, special interventions and rural electrification.
According to Bala, preliminary findings have already revealed irregularities in certain locations. He stated that discrepancies were identified in projects executed in Kalambaina and Gwuiwa in Wamakko Local Government Area, as well as Mabera and Mana in Sokoto South Local Government Area.
He explained that some of the inspected projects failed to meet contractual specifications and would require corrective action.
“However, in all the projects identified, our team has instructed the contractors to immediately return to site and do the needful,” Bala said.
Among the affected projects are a Science Laboratory at the Senior Secondary School in Kalambaina and water supply schemes located in Gwuiwa, Mabera and Mana. The commission indicated that these facilities are expected to serve local communities and enhance access to essential services.
Bala further disclosed that the 64 projects under review were awarded through 14 federal government agencies and were expected to have been fully executed in line with approved timelines and funding provisions.
“These projects were awarded at an approximate cost of N21.6 billion and are expected to be fully executed,” he said. “Our group, consisting of members from the ICPC, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, civil society organisations and the media, has fully commenced the exercise.”
He noted that the team’s mandate includes monitoring and assessing project performance, verifying the value of work completed, confirming contractor identities, scrutinising payment records and determining the current status of each project.
Beyond financial scrutiny, the commission aims to evaluate the tangible impact of the projects on beneficiary communities, ensuring that public funds translate into meaningful development outcomes.
The ICPC reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, stressing that any confirmed breaches of contract terms or evidence of misconduct would attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.