Reps Query Abuja Insecurity, Defunct $460m CCTV Infrastructure
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to probe the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), questioning why a $460 million CCTV security project, funded through a Chinese loan, has failed to function as intended.
Declaring the committee open on Thursday, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas condemned the growing incidents of kidnappings, armed attacks, and killings across the FCT, describing the trend as “unacceptable and deeply worrisome.” He noted that Abuja, once regarded as one of the most secure capitals in the subregion, has become increasingly vulnerable to violent crimes.
Abbas expressed concern that the multi-million-dollar surveillance installation, expected to strengthen security operations, has produced no meaningful impact. He insisted that Nigerians deserve clarity on whether the project was properly implemented, abandoned, or crippled by poor management.
He explained that the panel has been mandated to conduct a comprehensive probe into the project’s execution, its technical viability, the extent to which it is integrated with security agencies, and why it has failed to restrain the mounting insecurity.
Represented by Hon. Julius Pondi, the Speaker added that the committee is also charged with identifying possible negligence, sabotage, or institutional lapses and recommending measures to revive or completely overhaul the system.
Abbas called for full cooperation from the Ministers of the FCT, Finance, and Interior; the Inspector General of Police; area council chairmen; and heads of security agencies. He also urged traditional rulers to strengthen their intelligence networks and support ongoing security efforts.
He emphasized that the House would not remain indifferent while residents of the nation’s capital live under constant threat, assuring that Parliament would use all legislative mechanisms to enforce accountability and enhance public safety.
Committee Chairman, Hon. Ojogo Donald Kimikanboh, said Abuja’s worsening security landscape has turned what should be a safe city into a “theatre of fear.” He stressed that their work was a duty owed to families mourning loved ones and communities anxious about their safety.
Ojogo described the failed CCTV project as a “monumental scandal,” saying that such a heavy investment ought to have delivered robust security coverage for the FCT.
He outlined the committee’s tasks, which include tracking the entire $460 million expenditure, reviewing all contracts and technical components, ascertaining the project’s current functionality, and identifying the root causes behind the persistent security breaches.
“What transforms this situation from tragedy into a scandal of extraordinary magnitude is the clear paradox we face,” Ojogo said. “How can a city remain under siege despite a staggering investment, $460 million secured as a Chinese loan, to establish a digital shield meant to protect the FCT?
“This project was envisioned as a strategic pillar of our national security architecture, a digital watchdog designed to deter crime, reinforce security agencies, and ensure that offenders are identified and brought to justice.”
He added that the committee would undertake a forensic audit of the entire system, interrogate its coverage and efficiency, evaluate its role in the ongoing security lapses, and identify all individuals, agencies, or contractors responsible for failures.
He assured that the panel’s recommendations would be geared toward reviving the project, restoring public confidence, and ensuring Nigerians receive value for the massive investment.
“We are not on a witch-hunt,” he said. “Our mission is to uncover the truth and ensure that the Nigerian people get the security infrastructure they were promised.”
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