The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the controversial $460 million Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) project in Abuja, amid rising claims about insecurity and recurring loss of lives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The decision came on Wednesday following the adoption of a motion moved by Amobi Godwin Ogah, the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State.
Titled "Urgent Need to Investigate the Rising Insecurity and Loss of Several Lives in Abuja, the Federal Capital, Despite the CCTV Project Secured with a Chinese Loan of $460 Million," Ogah said that despite the hefty investment, criminal activities have continued to escalate across the city.
Ogah reminded lawmakers that the CCTV initiative was originally launched during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to strengthen security surveillance in strategic locations around Abuja.
According to him, the Federal Government, through a delegation led by then Minister of Finance, Dr Olusegun Aganga, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing with ZTE Communications, the Chinese firm awarded the contract.
The project, Ogah explained, was funded through a $460 million loan from China EXIM Bank, drawn from a $600 million soft credit facility with a 10-year grace period and a subsequent 10-year repayment plan.
Despite ongoing loan repayments, Ogah explained the CCTV system has largely remained non-functional, while crime in Abuja continues to rise.
"Despite this huge investment as well as the financial burden Nigeria is subjected to by way of servicing the loan, the impact of the CCTV is not felt in any manner. Rather than abating, the crime rate has soared in Abuja, leading to daily reports of deaths arising from unmonitored crimes around the Federal Capital.
"Worried that the current situation whereby Nigeria is paying heavily for this loan obtained from a Chinese bank to execute the non-functional CCTV contract undertaken curiously, also by a Chinese firm and contractor, leaves the country in a lose-lose nightmare," he said.
Edo State lawmaker Billy Osawaru added that legislators must hold those responsible accountable, urging the House to ask tough questions regarding the project.
Following discussions, the House resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the use of the $460 million loan and determine why the CCTV project has failed to improve public safety.
The panel is expected to summon all relevant government agencies and contractors involved, with findings to be submitted to the House for further legislative action.
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