The House of Representatives has officially commenced a forensic inquiry into a stalled $460 million CCTV project, as public frustration mounts over the capital’s deteriorating security situation.
An ad-hoc committee was recently inaugurated to look into the “National Public Security Communication System,” a project funded by a massive Chinese loan intended to turn Abuja into a “smart city” protected by digital surveillance. Despite the significant financial commitment, residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) continue to face a surge in violent crimes, including kidnappings and “one-chance” robberies.
During the committee’s inauguration, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen ; represented by Hon. Julius Pondi, characterized the current state of Abuja as a “theatre of fear.” He emphasized that the investigation is a “truth-hunt” rather than a political “witch-hunt,” aimed at discovering why the surveillance system failed to act as the “digital sentinel” it was marketed to be.
“Nigerians deserve to know if this colossal investment was properly deployed, simply abandoned, or crippled by administrative mismanagement,” the Speaker noted. He further stressed that the House would not remain passive while citizens live in constant anxiety.
The investigative panel, chaired by Hon. Ojogo Donald Kimikanboh, has been tasked with several critical goals:
- Tracking the expenditure of the $460 million loan to ensure every dollar is accounted for.
- Determining the current operational status of the cameras and why they are not integrated into the city’s active security architecture.
- Identifying the contractors, agencies, and individuals responsible for the project’s failure.
- Providing recommendations on whether to overhaul, complete, or replace the existing infrastructure to restore public safety.
The project, which dates back to 2010, was financed through a $600 million credit facility from the China-EXIM Bank, with $460 million specifically earmarked for the CCTV network. Lawmakers expressed outrage that the Nigerian government continues to service this debt despite the system being largely non-functional.
As the probe moves forward, the committee has called for full cooperation from the Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office, and the Inspector General of Police. For the residents of Abuja, the hope is that this investigation will lead to more than just reports, but to a functional security system that finally justifies its massive price tag.
