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NASS members allegedly use proxies for Constituency Projects – Antigraft Agencies claim

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**Advocate for Greater Transparency, Accountability

**Call for Greater Private Sector Involvement

The Economic and Financtial crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission(ICPC) have accused some National Assembly members of allegedly utilizing proxies to execute constituency Projects.
Apart from that, the bidding process is alleged to be selective as it is only given to contractors based on their interest.
This is in contrast to the position that lawmakers don’t have imput in the nomination of contractors or the execution of their constituency projects.
The issue they said has also contributed to the lack of transparency leading to many abandoned constituency projects that litter many federal contituencies and senatorial districts across Nigeria.
Dr. Eze Johnson who represent3d the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Alanipekun Olukoyede highlighted corruption challenges and called for enhanced monitoring and transparency in grassroots development projects during A Policy Dialogue on the role of the Private Sector in the Implementation of Constituency Projects in Nigeria.
The event was initiated by OrderPaper Nigeria as part of a broader effort to promote accountability in governance in form of Advocacy Iniatiative

In his presentation at the Policy Dialogue on grassroots development, Johnson expressed concern over the widespread corruption in the execution of constituency projects, also known as Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs).
He emphasized the need for a stronger collaboration between anti-corruption agencies, contractors, government ministries, and local communities to ensure accountability in project execution.
Johnson noted that while the EFCC is often seen as an enforcement body dealing with economic and financial crimes after they occur, prevention is equally vital.
He used the metaphor of turning off the tap to prevent a flood rather than mopping up water after it spills to explain the importance of proactive measures. “It’s easier, cheaper, and faster to prevent fraud than to address it after the damage is done,” he remarked.

Dr. Johnson raised key issues concerning the abandonment and mismanagement of ZIPs, revealing that investigations often uncover inflated bills of quantities and under-delivered work.
He shared a real-world example of an abandoned school block project, where funds were disbursed, but substandard materials were used, and funds were diverted. “We follow the money and often find it going to places it shouldn’t be,” he said.
He further identified conflict of interest issues, noting that some contractors behind the projects have personal or political ties to legislators, creating a lack of transparency in the tendering process.
He emphasized the need for open tendering processes rather than selective ones, which allow for favoritism and corruption.
Johnson concluded by urging all stakeholders, contractors, sponsors, and local communities to take responsibility for ensuring that projects meet the needs of the grassroots.
“It’s not just the contractors who are responsible; it’s also the sponsors and the communities who must be vigilant and involved,” he said.
In the sane vein the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) also made reference to legislators connivance with contractors in the execution or abandoned projects
He emphasized the critical role of the private sector in ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of constituency projects across Nigeria.
Thr Secretary to the Commission, Clifford Okudiraparao, who
represented ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Aliyu, spoke on the need for enhanced monitoring and collaboration to prevent corruption and the diversion of public funds.

Okudiraparao highlighted the rampant misuse of funds allocated for constituency projects, pointing out how contractors, often in connivance with public officials, abandon projects or deliver substandard work. “Constituency projects have become a red flag for systematic corruption, with funds being siphoned off and communities left underserved,” he stated.

“The ICPC launched the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) in 2019, designed to proactively prevent fraud by monitoring the implementation of constituency projects across the country.
“According to Okudiraparao, the initiative has tracked over 3,485 projects worth ₦433 billion from 2019 to 2023, compelling over 500 contractors to return to sites to complete abandoned projects. “This initiative has saved the government hundreds of billions of Naira and ensured that projects benefit the grassroots as intended,” he said.
Okudiraparao urged the private sector, civil society, and the media to increase their involvement in monitoring these projects. He noted that collaboration with private entities can provide technical expertise, transparency, and accountability, which are crucial for ensuring the success of public projects. “Private sector involvement is integral to ensuring that public funds are used effectively and that communities receive the benefits they deserve,” he added.

The ICPC official also pointed out the importance of local government involvement, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming their financial autonomy. He argued that local governments, being closer to the grassroots, must play a more active role in ensuring the proper execution of projects that directly affect their communities.
Okudiraparao concluded by reiterating the Commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability and fighting corruption, stating that continued collaboration between the ICPC, the National Assembly, and the private sector is essential for improving project outcomes. “It’s not just about prosecution; it’s about prevention, transparency, and ensuring that every Naira spent by the government brings real benefits to the people.”
The leader of the senate Opeyemi Bamidele said the National Assembly play a pivotal role in ensuring constituency projects are implemented effectively.
“While lawmakers do not execute these projects, they are responsible for legislative oversight, budgetary approval and ensuring transparency in the procurement process. Through strong legislative frameworks and public engagement, the National Assembly helps ensure the projects meet the needs of local communities and serve their intended purposes.
The Executive Director of OrderPaper Nigeria, Oke Epia called for increased private sector involvement in constituency projects to combat corruption and inefficiency. He pointed out that although approximately ₦100 billion is allocated to these projects annually, their benefits are often not realized due to a lack of transparency and accountability. He emphasized that while lawmakers are often blamed for unsuccessful projects, their role is primarily to nominate projects rather than implement them.
The Director urged for more scrutiny of contractors, as their performance significantly influences project outcomes, and highlighted the responsibility of financial institutions in managing funds related to these projects.
He expressed the hope that the event would lead to productive discussions on enhancing collaboration between stakeholders and improving the overall framework of constituency projects in Nigeria.

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Legislature

National Assembly Pledges Support for Tax Reforms, Extends 2024 Budget to Mid-2025

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Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas

The National Assembly has assured Nigerians on Wednesday that it would not block the Tax Reform Bills presented by President Bola Tinubu in October.
Instead, lawmakers vowed to engage with the public to dispel misconceptions and ensure the passage of the key legislative reforms.

In a joint statement, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas affirmed their commitment to supporting the President’s tax reforms, calling them a transformative opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.
The reforms include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.

Akpabio praised the reforms as the first comprehensive tax overhaul since Nigeria’s independence, which he said would boost small and medium enterprises, improve revenue, and foster a competitive business environment.
“We will not kill any reform that you have forwarded to us, Mr. President,” he said, urging the public to engage thoughtfully with the proposals.

Echoing his sentiments, Speaker Abbas pledged that the National Assembly would work closely with President Tinubu to ensure the successful passage of the tax reforms and the 2025 budget. “We are fully committed to supporting the 2025 budget and all related reforms,” he declared.

In addition to the tax reform discussion, both chambers of the National Assembly also moved to extend the capital component of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025. The bill for the extension has already passed its first and second readings in the Senate.

The decision to extend the budget’s implementation period reflects a strong resolve to ensure that key infrastructure projects continue without interruption.

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Tinubu Presents Bold N47.9tr 2025 Budget of Restoration

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled the 2025 budget tagged the Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Building Prosperity to a joint session of the National Assembly.
The N47.9 trillion proposal is designed to solidify ongoing economic reforms, tackle insecurity, and lay the groundwork for long-term national prosperity.

The budget seeks to build on Nigeria’s economic progress while addressing critical issues such as security, infrastructure, and human capital development.

In his address, President Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the journey of economic reforms and highlighted key achievements, including a 3.46% economic growth in the third quarter of 2024, a rise in foreign reserves to $42 billion, and a trade surplus of ₦5.8 trillion.
These, he said, reflect the administration’s commitment to restoring macroeconomic stability and promoting inclusive growth.

“The progress we’ve made is a testament to the resilience of our people, and we are determined to continue building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.

The 2025 budget comes with a revenue target of ₦34.82 trillion and an expenditure projection of ₦47.90 trillion, which includes ₦15.81 trillion allocated for debt servicing. This results in a budget deficit of ₦13.08 trillion, or 3.89% of the country’s GDP.

The President also set ambitious economic projections, aiming for a reduction in inflation from 34.6% to 15% and an improvement in the exchange rate from ₦1,700/$ to ₦1,500/$. Crude oil production is expected to reach 2.06 million barrels per day.

The budget outlined significant investments in key sectors to include defence and Security with the loin share of ₦4.91 trillion to strengthen national security and combat insurgency and banditry.

Infrastructure gulped N4.06 trillion to improve transportation, energy, and other critical infrastructure projects, with a focus on private capital investment.

Education was allocated N3.52 trillion, including ₦826.90 billion for educational infrastructure and student loans to enhance access to quality education.

Healthcare got N2.48 trillion, with ₦402 billion earmarked for health infrastructure to ensure Universal Health Coverage.
Additionally, the agriculture sector will receive support to boost food security and farmer productivity.
While President Tinubu highlighted the strategic priorities for Nigeria’s future, he also acknowledged the fiscal challenges posed by the country’s rising debt burden. With over N15 trillion allocated for debt servicing, concerns have been raised about the sustainability of Nigeria’s borrowing trajectory.

The President called for a collective effort to overcome the challenges of insecurity, corruption, and poor economic decisions of the past.
He urged Nigerians to unite in building a resilient economy that will provide opportunities for all citizens.

“Our vision is to restore peace, rebuild prosperity, and create opportunities for every Nigerian. This is a call to action for all of us,” Tinubu emphasized.

President Tinubu’s 2025 budget marked a continued commitment to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. With a focus on security, infrastructure, and human capital development, the budget aims to set Nigeria on a path of sustainable growth and recovery, though the heavy reliance on debt financing will require careful fiscal management in the years ahead.

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Halims Reaffirms Commitment to Okura State Creation

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Robert usman Audu and Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency, has reiterated his commitment to the creation of Okura State.

Speaking during a meeting with the Okura State Movement in Abuja on Sunday, Halims vowed to leverage his position as a principal officer to advance the long-standing aspiration for state creation. The event featured the presentation of a report by the Special Meeting Conveners’ Committee.

“In view of my position today in the National Assembly, by the grace of God, if any new state is created, Okura State will be among them. Write it down today,” Halims declared. “Where these decisions are made, I will be there. With God on our side, we will crack the hard nuts and achieve our goals.”

Halims emphasized unity and collective effort as essential elements for the realization of Okura State. He pledged unwavering support and urged constituents to remain steadfast in the struggle.

“We are in this struggle with all our strength,” he said. “I, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, am wholly and totally committed to doing justice to the creation of Okura State.”

He called for fervent prayers and grassroots support, noting that these are critical to ensuring sustained advocacy and effective representation at the National Assembly.

The chairman of the Okura State Movement, Chief Robert Usman Audu, described Hon. Halims as a consistent advocate for the state creation.
He noted that Halims recently sponsored a bill in the National Assembly, which has passed its second reading, proposing the creation of Okura State.

According to Audu, the proposed state aims to address long-standing demands for equitable representation, balanced development, and improved governance for the Igala and Bassa ethnic groups in the region.

“Creating Okura State will ensure fair distribution of resources, greater development, and a stronger sense of inclusion for the people of Kogi East Senatorial District,” Audu explained.

The Okura State Movement has launched several initiatives to bolster the push for state creation through dialogue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Kogi State Government.

It is also embarking organization of town hall meetings, media campaigns, and outreach programs to educate citizens about the need for the creation of the State.
The movement has also proposed an “Okura State Good Governance Advisory Council” to guide socio-economic transformation.
It has also establishing committees, including a Strategy Committee, to intensify advocacy efforts.

The Special Meeting Conveners’ Committee, chaired by Prof. Godwin Ogbadu, has prepared comprehensive documentation outlining the historical, demographic, and socio-economic justifications for the state’s creation.

The movement has also reaffirmed Idah as the proposed capital of Okura State, citing its historical and cultural significance. The creation of Okura State, first proposed in 1980, represents a beacon of hope for the Igala and Bassa communities.

“This is a defining moment for our people,” Chief Audu stated. “This document demonstrates a well-coordinated effort, highlighting historical equity and development imperatives as the driving forces behind this agitation.”

With renewed momentum, strategic planning, and collective effort, advocates believe the decades-long dream of Okura State is closer to becoming a reality.

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