The House of Representatives has ordered a full-scale investigation into the controversial $460 million Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) project in Abuja, amid growing insecurity and loss of lives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, during plenary on Wednesday.
Ogah, in the motion titled “Urgent Need to Investigate the Rising Insecurity and Loss of Several Lives in Abuja, the Federal Capital, Despite the CCTV Project Secured with a Chinese Loan of $460 Million,” lamented that despite the massive investment, criminal activities continue to rise across the FCT.
He recalled that the CCTV initiative was launched under former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to strengthen surveillance and improve security monitoring in key parts of the capital.
According to Ogah, the project was financed through a $460 million loan secured from China EXIM Bank as part of a $600 million soft credit facility with a 10-year grace period and another decade for repayment and executed by Chinese telecommunications firm ZTE Communications.
The lawmaker expressed concern that despite ongoing loan repayments, the CCTV system remains non-functional while insecurity worsens.
“Despite this huge investment and the financial burden Nigeria bears in servicing the loan, the CCTV project has not achieved its intended purpose. Instead, crime has escalated in Abuja, leading to frequent reports of deaths from unmonitored attacks,” Ogah stated.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Billy Osawaru from Edo State urged the House to demand accountability and transparency from all involved parties.
Consequently, the House resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to probe the loan’s utilisation and determine why the project failed to enhance security in the capital. The panel is also mandated to summon all relevant government agencies and contractors involved in the deal and submit its findings for further legislative action.
Sunday Buna Ibrahim is a seasoned journalist with Daily Frontier (dailyfrontier.com.ng), where he reports on security, conflicts, and humanitarian issues across Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly Plateau and Benue States. He also serves as a News Producer at Vision FM Radio in Abuja. Prior to joining Daily Frontier, he worked with Radio Nigeria, Fombina FM Yola in Adamawa State between 2019 and 2020.
