In response to the escalating incidents of kidnapping in the Federal Capital Territory, the Senate has instructed the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to reevaluate the $460 million spent by the Federal Government on the unsuccessful Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) project in Abuja. The resolution was reached during a session following a motion presented by Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North.
The CCTV project, awarded to the Chinese firm ZTE Corporation in 2010, involved a payment structure of 15 percent by the Federal Government and 85 percent by the Chinese EXIM Bank, to be repaid within 10 years at the prevailing interest rate. The Senate’s call for a review comes in the wake of a distressing incident in Galadimawa, Abuja, where 19 individuals, including Senator Ned Nwoko’s senior legislative aide, were forcefully abducted from their homes.
Senator Nwoko provided details on the unfortunate incident, reporting that 12 of the abducted individuals had been killed, and seven remained in the kidnappers’ custody. Efforts to negotiate with the kidnappers were hindered by communication challenges, with their lines remaining inactive. Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe supported the motion, highlighting the urgent need for measures to address the insecurity siege in Abuja and prevent further security threats.
Senator Adamu Aliero, supporting the motion, disclosed that during his tenure as the FCT minister, he had awarded the CCTV project. However, the contractor failed to complete the job after receiving payment. He urged the Senate to direct the FCT minister to resume the probe into the failed CCTV project. The Senate’s resolutions emphasize the necessity of reexamining the CCTV project and launching investigations into the recent wave of kidnappings in the capital.