The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee, led by Hon. Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, the member representating Ilaje/Ese-odo federal constituency, probing the $460 million CCTV surveillance initiative in the Federal Capital Territory, has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to suspend any additional disbursements to ZTE Corporation until clear explanations are provided regarding the project’s implementation.
The decision was taken on Tuesday during a hearing at the Nigerian National Assembly, where lawmakers voiced frustration over what they described as unclear and insufficient responses from representatives of the Chinese firm.
Speaking during the session, committee chairman Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo said the panel’s intervention was necessary to ensure transparency and proper accountability in the use of public funds.
“The essence of this exercise is to establish facts. Nigerians deserve clarity on a project of this scale,” Ojogo said.
The committee has asked ZTE to appear again before it with detailed records, including a full list of installed surveillance equipment, precise deployment sites across the country, and credible information on the 456 Nigerians the company claims were trained to manage and maintain the system.
In addition, lawmakers are demanding proof that the project was formally handed over, alongside documentation identifying the government agencies currently responsible for its operation and upkeep.
The investigation followed a motion introduced by Ali Shettima and supported by Kolawale Akinlayo, amid growing concerns about the execution and present condition of the contract.
During deliberations, committee members questioned the project’s actual coverage, functionality, and the absence of verifiable records to support claims made by the contractors.
The panel resolved to summon ZTE once more, warning that failure to comply with its directives could trigger further legislative measures.
The surveillance project, initially designed to strengthen security infrastructure in the nation’s capital, is now under intensified scrutiny as lawmakers push for greater openness in the management of major government contracts.
