The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC embarked on the tracking of N1.802 billion executive projects in Kwara.
This endeavor, led by Mr. Nathaniel Sikpi, the Principal Superintendent of Investigation at the ICPC’s Kogi Office, aimed to ensure value for money.
The tracking effort, in its sixth phase, encompassed 15 projects across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Sikpi emphasized that the primary goal was to ensure these projects weren’t merely executed on paper but also physically on the ground.
He noted that projects could be awarded and executed on paper, with full payments made, yet no physical presence or benefit to the intended recipients.
This tracking initiative covered both executive and constituency projects, with a focus on majorly executive projects.
Quantity Surveyors were integral members of the tracking team, providing professional insights. The ICPC followed up on already tracked projects to ensure compliance with orders.
The ICPC employed two key strategies. For construction projects found to be inadequately executed, the commission compelled contractors to return to the site and complete the work effectively.
In cases of empowerment projects, when job execution was unsatisfactory, funds were recovered. To date, the ICPC has recovered billions in funds, which are publicly accessible on the commission’s website.
Regarding the tracking at the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), discrepancies were noted.
The contract specified 2022 model 32-seater Toyota Coaster Buses, but Mikano Hilux vehicles were procured instead. Further investigation was necessary to determine if the vehicles’ procurement deviated from the contract.
Investigations would also extend to the sale of subsidized fertilizers as opposed to the free distribution outlined in the contract.
The Kwara Coordinator of HYPPADEC, Hajia Hajara Alhassan, clarified that the procured vehicles were better suited for the communities’ challenging terrains with poor roads.
Additionally, subsidized rates for fertilizers were confirmed, with payments made into the designated TSA account.
At the National Health Insurance Agency, the team’s mission included tracking the construction of the physical building and the furnishing and partitioning of offices.
However, due to the absence of the Bill of Quantity and the contractor’s unresponsiveness, the building’s tracking was inconclusive. Further investigations would be conducted, and the contractor would be summoned for questioning.
The team was set to visit Moro, Edu, and Baruten Local Government Areas for further tracking.
