ICPC Tracks 39 Constituency Projects Worth N13.5bn in Katsina.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline, February 21, 2026.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced Phase 8 of its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Exercise in Katsina State, placing 39 projects valued at N13.5 billion under rigorous scrutiny in a renewed push for transparency and accountability in public spending.
The exercise, which spans the three Senatorial Districts and the Federal Constituencies of the state, underscores the commission’s determination to ensure that public funds translate into measurable development outcomes for citizens.
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The Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in the state, Mr. Ludam Samuel, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Friday. He explained that the tracking initiative is part of ICPC’s nationwide mandate to monitor projects funded through constituency allocations and executive interventions.
According to Samuel, the commission’s intervention has become necessary to curb incidences of abandoned projects, inflated contracts, substandard execution and diversion of public funds — longstanding challenges that have undermined development efforts across the country.
“This exercise demonstrates our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability and prudent management of public resources,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that every naira allocated to constituency and executive projects delivers value for money and tangible benefits to the people.”
Multi-Sectoral Inspection
The tracking team, working in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) and members of the media, has so far inspected a wide range of projects cutting across critical sectors.
Within the Katsina metropolis, multiple health facility projects were examined to assess compliance with approved specifications, quality of materials used, and functionality of installed equipment. Health centres, often the first point of care for rural and semi-urban communities, remain central to the state’s healthcare delivery framework.
In the infrastructure sector, key road projects in Funtua and Kankia were also inspected. Road construction and rehabilitation projects constitute a significant portion of constituency interventions, given their impact on commerce, mobility and rural-urban integration.
The team extended its oversight to water supply schemes in Kurfi, Dutsin-Ma, Mashi and Dutsi. Access to potable water remains a pressing concern in several communities, and the verification process focused not only on physical completion but also on operational functionality and sustainability.
Similarly, school-based projects in Kafur, Sandamu, Daura and Mai’Adua were examined. Education infrastructure, including classroom blocks, renovation works, furniture supply and sanitation facilities, formed part of the review. Inspectors assessed structural integrity, adherence to design standards and actual usage by students and staff.
Beyond Brick and Mortar
Beyond physical infrastructure, the ICPC team evaluated the installation of solar-powered street lights across selected communities. Renewable energy interventions have gained prominence in recent years as cost-effective solutions to security and power challenges in underserved areas.
Various empowerment programmes implemented across the state were also reviewed. These programmes — ranging from skills acquisition to distribution of starter packs and agricultural inputs — are designed to stimulate economic activity and improve livelihoods. The commission examined beneficiary lists, procurement processes and evidence of delivery to ensure transparency.
Samuel noted that involving the NIQS ensures technical expertise in cost verification and project valuation, while media participation strengthens public oversight and credibility.
The Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Exercise is a flagship initiative of the ICPC, aimed at preventing corruption before it occurs. Rather than waiting for petitions or allegations, the commission proactively verifies projects on-site.
Under Nigeria’s budgeting system, lawmakers nominate constituency projects to address local development needs, while executive projects are implemented by ministries, departments and agencies. Over the years, concerns have been raised about duplication, inflated contracts and abandoned sites — issues the tracking exercise seeks to confront.
Samuel reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to deepen oversight mechanisms and promote integrity in public service delivery.
“Public office is a trust. Our responsibility is to ensure that funds appropriated for development serve their intended purpose. We will continue to strengthen monitoring processes and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to safeguard public resources,” he stated.
Observers say sustained monitoring of public projects is essential to rebuilding public confidence in governance. In a state like Katsina — with growing population demands and developmental challenges — effective oversight could translate into improved healthcare access, better roads, safer streets and enhanced educational facilities.
As Phase 8 of the tracking exercise progresses, residents and civil society groups are expected to play complementary roles by reporting discrepancies and demanding accountability.
For the ICPC, the message is clear: public funds must work for the people. The N13.5 billion under review in Katsina is not merely a budgetary figure — it represents hospitals that must heal, roads that must connect, schools that must educate and empowerment schemes that must uplift communities.
With inspections ongoing, the outcome of the exercise is anticipated to provide not only a snapshot of project performance but also a benchmark for future accountability efforts in the state and beyond.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 21ST 2026)
