Fifteen years after Nigeria obtained a $460 million loan from China to install CCTV cameras across Abuja, the House of Representatives has launched a fresh investigation into the failed project. The lawmakers say the country continues to repay the loan, even though the cameras were never installed.
Reps Move to Revisit $460m CCTV Project
The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to investigate the controversial $460 million Chinese loan secured in 2010 by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Amobi Ogah, member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Abia State.
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The motion was titled: “Need to Investigate the Rising Insecurity and Loss of Several Lives in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, Despite the CCTV Project Secured with a Chinese Loan of $460 Million.”
Project Signed in 2010, Still Unexecuted
Ogah recalled that in 2010, then Finance Minister Dr Olusegun Aganga led a federal government delegation to Beijing, China, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with ZTE Communications, the Chinese company contracted to execute the project.
The $460 million loan, obtained from the China Exim Bank, was part of a $600 million soft credit facility, with repayment scheduled over ten years following a decade-long grace period.
Despite this financial arrangement, the project was never completed or made functional.
“The administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, acting in good conscience, embarked on the need to curb insecurity in the Federal Capital by installing CCTV cameras around strategic areas,” Ogah said.
“Despite this huge investment and the ongoing loan servicing, the impact of the CCTV project is not felt in any way. Rather than improving, insecurity has worsened in Abuja.”
Previous Inquiries and Unanswered Questions
In 2019, the 9th House of Representatives queried the Ministry of Finance on the project’s status. Then Finance Minister Zainab Ahmed confirmed that the loan was still being serviced but failed to clarify how the funds were used.
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In 2023, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Federal Government to disclose details of how the $460 million was spent, following a suit by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
Other lawmakers backed Ogah’s motion, insisting the matter required a thorough probe to ensure transparency and accountability.
Edo lawmaker Billy Osawaru said the House must take its oversight duties seriously:
“The House must carry out strong oversight for the good of Nigerians. We must discourage bad governance and demand accountability,” he stated.
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Also speaking, Ahmad Jaha, representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal Constituency in Borno State, said it was unacceptable that such a huge project had yielded no results.
“I don’t know what kind of feasibility study was done. A lot of money was spent on CCTVs, but they are nowhere to be found,” he said.
“Considering the debt burden the country currently bears, it’s crucial we get to the root of this matter.”
Ad Hoc Committee to Lead Probe
Following extensive deliberations, the House resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the status of the CCTV project and report back with recommendations for further legislative action.
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The lawmakers said the inquiry would determine the current condition of the loan, the level of project execution, and whether any officials or contractors should be held accountable.
Nigeria Still Paying for a ‘Ghost Project’
Fifteen years after signing the loan agreement, Nigeria continues to service the debt with no visible evidence of CCTV installations or improved security outcomes.
The planned investigation is expected to shed light on one of Nigeria’s most controversial infrastructure projects, a deal that has cost the nation millions of dollars but provided no tangible benefit to citizens.
