The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged Nigerians to actively monitor and report any incomplete constituency projects in their regions, with a promise to prosecute those who are found responsible.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, issued this call during a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, underscoring the importance of community-driven anti-corruption efforts to ensure that projects are completed effectively.
The EFCC highlighted that corruption has severely impeded development and diminished public trust in government, especially regarding constituency projects intended to benefit local communities.
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The commission emphasized that constituency project funds must be fully disclosed to the public, including information about contractors, timelines, and budgets, to allow for community oversight.
Olukoyede stated, “Corruption undermines development, erodes public trust, and stifles the very projects designed to uplift communities.
Across the country, many Nigerians have voiced concerns about constituency projects that are meant to bring direct benefits to local communities through infrastructure, education, healthcare, and more. Unfortunately, the impact of corruption has, in some cases, hindered the full potential of these initiatives.
“We must recognize that true and lasting change comes when communities are empowered to hold their leaders accountable, particularly in the monitoring of constituency projects. There must be deliberate efforts to involve communities in the identification of their priority projects. This ensures that projects are aligned with actual needs rather than being imposed or politically motivated.
“Constituency project funds must be fully disclosed to the public and the details of the contractors, timelines, and budgets should be made available for community scrutiny. This will not only promote transparency but also give communities the tools to monitor progress effectively.
“When communities report discrepancies or suspected cases of corruption, these reports must be promptly investigated. By working together, we can build a feedback loop that ensures prompt action is taken against any corrupt practice.
“As we continue the fight against corruption, we are mindful that this is not just a challenge for institutions but for every Nigerian, every community, and every sector of society. While the battle against corruption is often associated with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies like the EFCC, it is crucial to remember that it cannot be won by these bodies alone.
“For anyone to be an anti-corruption fighter, a certain level of integrity must be attained.”
