By Nkechi Eze
In a bid to ensure that government projects are executed efficiently and effectively, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is exploring a potential partnership with the Ugandan government to track constituency and executive projects, aiming to promote transparency and accountability in project implementation.
The ICPC recently hosted a study visit for Uganda’s Parliamentary Budget Committee members at its Abuja headquarters, sparking a new development in their collaboration. This meeting, held on Tuesday, marks a significant step in their joint efforts to enhance constituency projects.
Speaking at the event, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSR, emphasized the importance of project tracking in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective delivery of democratic dividends.
The ICPC Boss highlighted the Commission’s leadership in tracking constituency and executive projects in Nigeria, adding that significant recoveries and achievements have been made in the fight against corruption since the initiative’s inception.
“Project tracking requires expertise, especially in Africa, where community-based projects are often hijacked by individuals, “It is a critical area of concern, and we welcome collaboration to share insights and best practices,” he stressed.
The ICPC Chairman, who encouraged the Ugandan delegation to maximize their visit as ICPC experts were available to guide them through its project tracking mechanisms, expressed hope that Uganda might adopt a similar initiative. “By the end of your study visit, we hope you can replicate our approach to suit the governance structure in your country,” he said.
Honourable Remigio Achia, Vice Chairman of Uganda’s Parliamentary Budget Committee and leader of the delegation stated that their visit was part of their studies at the Nigerian Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
Mr. Achia while acknowledging ICPC’s notable achievements in project tracking, expressed keen interest in learning how Uganda could ensure its citizens benefit from constituency projects.
“Although constituency project funds were previously removed from Uganda’s budget, we are now on the verge of restoring them. It is crucial to study ICPC’s approach to prevent funds mismanagement,” he remarked.
The visit concluded with a presentation by Mr. Jimoh Oladapo Sulahiman, Deputy Director and Head of Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Initiative (CEPTi) at ICPC, titled ‘CEPTi as a Vehicle for Good Governance.’
He detailed Nigeria’s constituency project framework, explaining how parliamentarians allocate national budget funds to influence development projects for their constituents.
Mr. Jimoh Sulahiman also outlined the tracking process, emphasizing its role in improving project execution rates across the country.
