By Atoyebi Nike
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the $460 million Chinese loan obtained by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across Abuja a project that remains unexecuted 15 years later.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, during Wednesday’s plenary.
Titled “Need to Investigate the Rising Insecurity and Loss of Several Lives in Abuja Despite the $460m CCTV Project,” Ogah said it was unacceptable that the Federal Capital Territory continues to face worsening insecurity despite the multi-million-dollar security investment.
He recalled that in 2010, the Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China’s ZTE Communications to execute the project, funded through a $460 million soft loan from China Exim Bank. The loan, part of a $600 million financing portfolio, was repayable in 10 years after a decade-long grace period.
“The funds were secured, but the CCTV project was never executed,” Ogah lamented. “Despite servicing the loan, there is no trace of the project, while insecurity in Abuja continues to escalate.”
He described the situation as a “lose-lose nightmare” for Nigeria, which continues to pay for a failed contract handled by a Chinese firm.
Other lawmakers, including Hon. Billy Osawaru (Edo) and a member representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Constituency in Borno State, supported the motion, calling for transparency and accountability. Osawaru urged his colleagues to “carry out good oversight for the good of Nigerians,” while the Borno lawmaker questioned the feasibility study behind the project, asking, “Where are the CCTVs that cost $460 million?”
The House resolved to establish an ad-hoc committee to investigate the status of the CCTV project, the disbursement of the loan, and the roles of relevant government ministries and contractors, with a report expected for further legislative action.
