The House of Representatives has reopened investigations into the controversial $460 million Chinese loan secured under former President Goodluck Jonathan for the installation of CCTV cameras across Abuja.
More than a decade later, the cameras are missing, but Nigeria is still repaying the debt.
The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved on Wednesday, October 22, by Hon Amobi Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State.
Ogah told lawmakers that the rising wave of insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory made it necessary to revisit the failed project.
He recalled that in 2010, the Federal Government signed a deal with Chinese firm ZTE Communications to install security cameras in strategic parts of the city.
The $460 million loan, he said, was obtained from the China-EXIM Bank under a $600 million soft credit portfolio arranged by then Finance Minister, Dr Olusegun Aganga.
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According to him, “The Jonathan administration, acting in good conscience, initiated the CCTV project to curb insecurity in Abuja. But years later, the project remains abandoned, and the cameras are nowhere to be found.”
Ogah lamented that despite the huge financial burden Nigeria continues to bear in repaying the loan, there is no evidence of any functioning CCTV infrastructure. “The situation leaves Nigeria in a lose-lose position,” he added.
In his contribution, Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru urged colleagues to hold the government accountable, saying, “We must carry out proper oversight for the good of Nigerians. We must discourage bad behaviour.”
Similarly, a Borno lawmaker representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal Constituency questioned how such an enormous amount could vanish without tangible results.
After deliberations, the House agreed to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the project and report back with its findings.