Governance
Senate to probe 10,000 abandoned projects – Deputy Minority Leader
By Iyojo Ameh
The Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Dr. ‘Lere Oyewumi, has unveiled the plans of the 10th National Assembly to launch a comprehensive investigation into the multitude of abandoned Federal Government projects scattered across the nation.
The lawmaker representing Osun West Senatorial District, shared this revelation during an interview with journalists in Ikire on Friday.
He went on to reveal that there are an astonishing 10,000 such projects funded by the Federal Government, lying in neglect and abandonment across the country.
During the recess period, Dr. Oyewumi explained that lawmakers would be dedicating their time to gather extensive data regarding these projects and subsequently report their findings back to the Senate.
Dr. Oyewumi expressed his concerns, stating, “The Senate has uncovered more than 10,000 abandoned projects all over the country. These projects had received budget approvals and were officially deemed as completed on government documents. However, when visited on-site, no progress was evident. For instance, I visited Osun State University, Ikire campus, where a contract awarded in 2010 for a lecture theatre remains incomplete to this day.”
He continued, “We’ve also resolved in the Senate that within the next four years, such abandoned projects should not exist. Senators have been instructed to investigate and compile data on abandoned projects within their districts. Upon our return to the Senate, we will scrutinize the reasons behind these abandonments. Whether it’s due to the ministry, contractors, or misappropriation of funds, Nigerians will receive answers soon. Someone will be held accountable, as this is part of the corrections the 10th Senate aims to implement.”
In addition to the investigation into abandoned projects, Oyewumi commented on the matter of local government autonomy. He stated that the National Assembly has already taken steps to grant autonomy to local councils for self-governance. However, he emphasized that the focus should now shift to ensure that states comply fully with this legislation.