A recent report by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has shed light on a disheartening issue plaguing Nigeria—more than 100 constituency projects in 22 states have been left abandoned despite budgetary allocations. These findings are based on an analysis of the 2022 Budget implementation, conducted by Order Paper in collaboration with Budgit, MacArthur Foundation, Tracka, and other CSOs.
Constituency projects are critical initiatives initiated by elected members of the National Assembly to address the pressing needs and improve the livelihoods of their constituents. However, the report reveals a significant neglect of these projects, raising concerns about accountability and the efficient use of public funds.
The investigation exposes shocking statistics: out of 3,691 constituency projects in the 22 states, only 2,037 have been completed, 1,012 are still ongoing, and 533 have not even commenced despite budgetary allocations.
The affected states with abandoned projects include Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Osun, Oyo, Taraba, Imo, Adamawa, Rivers, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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During a policy dialogue on parliamentary succession and constituency projects, Ayomide Ladipo, the head of Tracka, made several recommendations, including diversifying projects, specifying project locations, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsiveness from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and conducting needs assessments.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to collaborating with Civil Society Organizations and government agencies to strengthen zonal intervention projects, also known as constituency projects. He highlighted the positive impact of constituency projects in bringing federal projects to remote communities.
Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Bamidele Salam, lamented the lack of continuity in constituency project implementation and called for greater fiscal discipline. He proposed ensuring that there are sufficient funds to complete projects before they commence.
The findings of this report underscore the need for greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the execution of constituency projects to deliver meaningful development to Nigeria’s citizens.
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