N2.4 Billion Disbursed for 2023 FG Projects, Yet No Work Done – BudgIT Report Lagos, Nigeria
posted 6th February 2025
A recent report by BudgIT, a civic-tech organization promoting accountability in government spending, has revealed that N2.4 billion allocated for 2023 federal projects has been disbursed to contractors without any work commencing on-site. The revelation was made through BudgIT’s Tracka initiative, which monitors public projects to ensure transparency and efficiency.
According to the report, the funds were allocated across nine states for fifteen projects, yet contractors have failed to mobilize to the project sites. Some of the notable payments include:
N401 million to Mainstream Contractors for the rehabilitation of Welcome-Nasarawa-Farewell road in Nasarawa State.
N153 million to Icent Light Ltd for the completion of Onicha-Uku Town Hall and Event Centre in Delta State.
N88 million to A3 Interbiz Link Service Limited for the construction and equipping of a Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Ikirun, Osun State.
Billions Lost to Abandoned Projects
The report further highlights that N3.9 billion worth of federal projects across the country have been abandoned, despite funds being allocated. This issue is part of a larger trend where billions meant for capital projects go unaccounted for due to mismanagement, corruption, and lack of oversight.
Tracka’s 2023/2024 report, Achieving National Development through Efficient Service Delivery, reveals that a total of N282.5 billion was allocated to 1,404 monitored projects across 25 states. The breakdown of their progress includes:
51% (720 projects) were completed
24% (332 projects) are ongoing
9% (129 projects) were abandoned or fraudulently executed
16% (223 projects) were not executed at all
Among the government agencies assessed, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) had the highest project completion rate at 78%, while the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs ranked lowest at 16%.
Calls for Accountability
Reacting to the findings, BudgIT’s Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo, expressed concern over the mismanagement of public funds, stating that capital projects have become a major avenue for embezzlement.
“Despite increased budgetary allocations, poor oversight and collusion between MDAs and contractors have led to project abandonment and financial leakages. The current administration and anti-corruption agencies must act swiftly to close these loopholes and hold defaulters accountable.”
BudgIT has called on anti-graft agencies, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to investigate these discrepancies and prosecute defaulting contractors.
The organization also urged elected representatives to prioritize abandoned projects to ensure efficient utilization of public funds for national development.
