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  • MonitNG advocates reform of constituency projects

    MonitNG advocates reform of constituency projects

    A civic technology organisation, MonitNG, has called for the reform of constituency projects in terms of the way they are implemented.

    Founder of MonitNG, Uadamen Ilevbaoje, said in a statement that without serious reform and transparency, constituency projects would remain a model built to exploit, not serve, Nigerian citizens.

    Ilevbaoje raised the alarm over the use of ministries, departments and agencies of government by the National Assembly to execute constituency projects.

    “Even worse, agencies with no technical expertise are now used as executing bodies for construction projects. Ministries meant for research or agriculture are assigned to build markets, install solar street lights, or renovate schools, leading to shoddy results, inflated costs, and loopholes for corruption.

    “Where projects do appear completed, they are often of poor quality. Roads wear out within weeks, boreholes break down, and buildings collapse. Contractors frequently cut corners while oversight agencies remain silent. In many cases, the only “benefit” to the community is a photo-op and a few malfunctioning solar lights,” he said.

    He also lamented the lack of transparency in empowerment projects carried out by lawmakers.

    Ilevbaoje said, “The so-called empowerment programs are no better. Lawmakers distribute cash in envelopes to select individuals without any documentation or recordkeeping. This encourages patronage politics and eliminates transparency.”

    According to him, constituency projects, instead of being tools for grassroots development, have become entrenched in corruption.

    Read Also: MonitNG expresses concern over poor construction of N7.23bn Argungu bypass road

    He said, “What began in 1999 as a tool to address rural underdevelopment in Nigeria has gradually become a mechanism for large-scale corruption. Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs), also known as constituency projects, were designed to bridge the gap between government resources and community needs. Today, they are largely used by lawmakers as channels to divert public funds with minimal oversight or accountability.

    “Each year, ₦100 billion is shared among Nigeria’s 469 National Assembly members to nominate projects in their constituencies. However, many of these projects either exist only on paper or are poorly executed. The public sees few signs of development but numerous signs of corruption — from abandoned sites and collapsed structures to ghost projects that cannot be traced to any location.

    “A common tactic now involves duplicating the same project under different budget codes. Lawmakers secure allocations for a project under ZIP and again under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), often with different names but similar descriptions. Usually, only one version of the project gets partially implemented while the other disappears entirely, unchecked.

    “Another disturbing trend is the consistent vagueness in project descriptions. Projects are often listed without specific communities or wards, using broad phrases like ‘selected communities’ or ‘various areas.’ This lack of transparency makes it nearly impossible for the public or civil society to verify implementation or track the use of funds.”

  • MonitNG expresses concern over poor construction of N7.23bn Argungu bypass road

    MonitNG expresses concern over poor construction of N7.23bn Argungu bypass road

    Civic tech organisation, MonitNG has raised concern over poor materials being used to construct the N7.23 billion Argungu Bypass Road in Kebbi State.

    The N7.23 billion project was awarded to Amirco Universal Concept by the Kebbi State government in 2024 with a 12-month completion timeline.

    According to MonitNG, the contractor is using blocks for drainage infrastructure, saying this goes against standard engineering guidelines, which recommended reinforced concrete for such critical components to ensure safety and longevity.

    But the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris dismissed the concerns raied by MonitNG.

    Idris said the project was being executed by the contractor in line with the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the state government.

    He said the use of blocks for the drainage was specified in the MoU.

    Idris said: “On the drainage they said they should use blocks. That was the agreement signed with the state government. Not that there will not be concrete to support the drainage. No matter how road construction is done blocks are used to support it. That is exactly what happened. But some people are using it to blackmail the government, most especially the opposition.”

    Founder of MonitNG, Uadamen Ilevbaoje in a statement on Monday in Abuja said: “Our latest findings reaffirm our initial report, confirming that substandard materials are still being used, despite the significant N7.23 billion allocated for the project. The contract was awarded on October 16, 2024, to Amirco Universal Concept with a 12-month completion timeline. Instead of issuing dismissive statements, the government should provide clear evidence that engineering standards are being followed. Accountability must take precedence over rhetoric.

    “What we found is deeply concerning. The continued use of cement blocks in the drainage system compromises the road’s structural integrity, posing risks to public safety and increasing the likelihood of premature deterioration and costly repairs. This situation raises serious questions about the quality control and oversight mechanisms in place. Are the people of Kebbi State truly getting value for the public funds being spent?

    “A key factor contributing to this issue is the absence of an effective Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework. Without rigorous oversight, substandard work thrives. Proper monitoring is essential to curb corruption, enforce the use of quality materials, and ensure infrastructure projects serve the public interest. The Ministry of Budget and Planning must take a more proactive role in translating approved budgets into tangible, high-quality outcomes.

    “The use of inferior materials also points to a wider systemic issue: contractors cutting corners to increase profit margins, often enabled by political interference. Materials are sometimes procured at inflated prices, yet the consequences for such malpractice are rare. It is the citizens who ultimately pay the price for these failures.

    “Compounding the problem is the lack of transparency in budgetary processes. Projects are often developed and executed behind closed doors, wrapped in technical jargon that excludes the average citizen from participating or understanding how their communities are being shaped. Without genuine public engagement, accountability remains elusive.

    “Furthermore, the chronic underperformance of capital projects continues to hinder development. Like the Argungu Bypass, many initiatives are either poorly executed or fall far short of the specifications laid out in budget documents. This level of negligence is unacceptable, particularly given the scale of public resources involved.

    “As a non-governmental and non-partisan organisation, our commitment is to promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. Our work is based on facts and field evidence, not political motives. We will continue to monitor public projects and demand that public funds are used effectively, responsibly, and in ways that genuinely serve the people.”

    Ilevbaoje noted that one of the major reasons substandard public projects persist across Nigeria is the lack of an effective Monitoring and Evaluation framework.

    He noted that without proper oversight, corruption goes unchecked, inferior materials are used, and citizens are left to deal with failed infrastructure like we’ve seen with the Argungu Bypass Road.

    According to him, the Ministry of Budget and Planning must step up and ensure that what is on paper translates into real, quality service delivery on the ground.

    He added: “It’s unfortunate that contractors still get away with cutting corners and inflating project costs, often with political backing.These are not isolated issues they reflect a broader problem where public funds are misused, and there are no consequences. Meanwhile, communities are left with broken roads, abandoned schools, and health centres that can’t serve their purpose.

    “There is also a serious problem with the lack of transparency in our budget process. Citizens are rarely consulted, and when budgets are released, they are full of technical language that makes it hard for the average person to engage or ask questions. This creates a gap between government and the people and weakens public accountability.

    “If we are serious about development, we must tackle these issues head-on. Transparent budgeting, proper project monitoring, and involving citizens every step of the way are not optional they are necessary. Until we get this right, we will keep repeating the same cycle of failed promises and wasted resources.”

  • MonitNG uncovers widespread school infrastructure neglect in seven states

    MonitNG uncovers widespread school infrastructure neglect in seven states

    • Demands govt action

    A civic tech organisation, MonitNG has uncovered widespread neglect in government-funded infrastructure projects, particularly in public schools, across seven states.

    The widespread infrastructure neglect in these states have prompted responses from state authorities and sparked a national debate.

    The report, which tracked 35 infrastructure projects—including 24 schools—across Edo, Oyo, Abuja, Kebbi, Rivers, Benue, and Sokoto, details a grim pattern of abandonment and decay.

    MonitNG’s efforts, supported by Orodata Science, uncovered deteriorating conditions in many schools, where children are forced to learn in unsafe and inadequate environments.

    In Oyo State, the exposure led to a formal response from the government, citing ongoing renovations in 175 schools.

    One of the worst-hit, Balogun Oyelakin Community Primary School, featured prominently in MonitNG’s findings, raising hopes it may now be included in the renovation plans.

    However, the organisation is pressing for immediate intervention to protect students and restore conducive learning conditions.

    In Abuja, although construction materials have been delivered to LEA Nuruddeen School in Karu, work is yet to begin.

    In Kebbi State, officials dismissed concerns about the ₦7.23 billion Argungu bypass road, despite photographic evidence and community feedback pointing to shoddy execution.

    Edo State has taken corrective action, ordering the reconstruction of a substandard road after MonitNG’s revelations.

    However, states like Benue, Rivers, and Sokoto have shown limited or no response, despite clear documentation of failed infrastructure in both educational and healthcare sectors.

    MonitNG is now urging relevant ministries and state agencies to release clear rehabilitation timelines and actively involve communities in project monitoring.

    This, the group says, is vital to ensure accountability and prevent further misuse of public funds.

    Read Also: Amotekun apprehends robbery suspect after escape from police custody

    The campaign’s impact has been far-reaching, engaging over three million Nigerians in just four weeks.

    Our field investigations consistently show that both past and current administrations have failed to address the pressing needs of their communities,” said Uadamen Ilevbaoje, founder of MonitNG.

    “Despite significant allocations for education and healthcare, basic infrastructure remains in disrepair. Politicians only parade a few completed projects in urban centres while rural areas are completely sidelined,” he added.

    Ilevbaoje added that MonitNG is not doubling down on its mission to hold public officials accountable.

    The organisation plans to ramp up follow-up investigations in key states, scale its media partnerships, and deploy additional community monitors for on-the-ground reporting.

    As Nigeria continues to grapple with gaps in public service delivery, MonitNG’s work underscores the power of citizen engagement and data-driven advocacy in driving systemic change.