ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),  even though a whooping sum of $460 million was expended in the installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) system funded through a Chinese loan.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee on Thursday in Abuja, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas said the growing wave of kidnappings, armed robberies and killings in the FCT is “unacceptable and intolerable”, he noted that Abuja, once seen as one of West Africa’s most peaceful capitals is now grappling with frequent violent crimes.

Speaker Abbas who was represented by Rep. Julius Pondi, queried why the multi-million dollar CCTV project, which was installed to enhance surveillance and security operations has failed to curb the worsening security situation. According to him,  Nigerians deserve answers on whether the massive investment was properly deployed, abandoned or crippled by mismanagement.

Abbas said the committee’s mandate includes a forensic investigation into the project’s status, operational capacity, level of integration with security agencies and reasons for its failure to deliver results, and is also expected to identify any acts of negligence or sabotage and recommend steps for activating or overhauling the system.

The Speaker further urged the Ministers of FCT, Finance, and Interior, alongside the Inspector General of Police, council chairmen and heads of security agencies, to offer full cooperation, appealing to traditional rulers to strengthen intelligence sharing with security operatives.

He emphasised that the House “will not stand idly by” while Abuja residents live in fear, and that every legislative tool will be deployed to ensure accountability and improved security.

Earlier, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Ojogo Kimikanboh explained that the worsening security challenges in Abuja had turned the city into a “theatre of fear”, he added that the committee’s task was a national responsibility owed to grieving families and anxious residents.

Ojogo described the failed CCTV project as a “scandal of monumental proportions”, highlighting that despite the huge investment, the system has not provided the expected security shield for the FCT.

He outlined the committee’s work, including auditing the $460 million expenditure, evaluating the project’s technical integrity, establishing its functionality and uncovering the causes of the persistent security breaches.

“We are not on a witch hunt but a truth hunt. The committee would pursue its assignment with diligence, integrity,
and a commitment to restoring public confidence.

“What elevates this crisis from tragedy to scandal of monumental proportions is the stark paradox at its core: this relentless wave of terror crashes upon us despite a massive investment—a Chinese loan of Four Hundred and Sixty Million United States Dollars ($460,000,000)secured for the singular purpose of creating an impregnable security shield for the FCT.

“This was no ordinary initiative. It was a flagship project, a critical layer in our national security architecture, promised to be the ever-watchful eye over our capital—a digital sentinel designed to deter crime, empower our security forces, and ensure that perpetrators face the justice they deserve.

“Conduct a forensic audit of the $460 million CCTV project, tracing every dollar, scrutinizing every contract, and evaluating its technical integrity from conception to current status.

“Determine the precise operational status of the project—its functionality, coverage, and efficacy—and expose the specific reasons for any failure.

“Investigate the direct correlation between this project’s failure and the escalating security breaches within the FCT.

“Identify all individuals, agencies, and contractors responsible for any failures and establish a clear chain of accountability.

“Provide actionable recommendations to salvage this vital project, secure value for the Nigerian people, and propose concrete measures to restore security and public confidence”, he said.