The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) over persistent violations of guidelines governing the implementation and verification of constituency and zonal intervention projects across the country.
The warning was delivered during the presentation of the Annual Status Report and the launch of a comprehensive compendium documenting projects executed under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Government officials said the initiative is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the management of public funds and development projects.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, , stated that the government has recorded notable progress in monitoring and evaluating constituency and intervention projects nationwide. He emphasized that the publication of the report reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that public projects deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Providing details of the ministry’s performance, Permanent Secretary revealed that project verification rates improved significantly between 2023 and 2024. According to him, verification performance increased from 28.88 percent to 43.13 percent following reforms introduced by the ministry, including the deployment of a digital project tracking and monitoring system.
The permanent secretary disclosed that approximately 772 projects and programmes have so far been verified and certified across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These projects span critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, water supply, agriculture, and community development.
Despite the progress, the government expressed concern that several MDAs continue to bypass mandatory verification procedures before approving payments to contractors. Officials described the practice as a serious violation of established regulations and a threat to transparency in public spending.
Ihemelandu referenced a 2023 directive issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which requires all implementing agencies to collaborate with the ministry for project verification and certification before any contractor can receive payment.
According to him, the directive was designed to prevent project abandonment, eliminate fraudulent claims, ensure value for money, and guarantee that projects are completed according to approved specifications before public funds are released.
He warned that agencies found violating the directive could face administrative sanctions, including exclusion from future project implementation programmes, disciplinary measures against responsible officials, and possible referral to anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
Government officials noted that constituency and zonal intervention projects play a crucial role in bringing development closer to local communities. Such projects are often designed to address specific needs identified by lawmakers and communities, including the construction of schools, healthcare centres, roads, boreholes, markets, and other public facilities.
Representing First Lady , the wife of the Vice President, , called for greater transparency and accountability in public service delivery. She stressed that constituency projects remain important tools for connecting government policies with the needs of ordinary citizens.
She noted that when properly implemented and monitored, intervention projects help bridge developmental gaps, improve access to essential services, and enhance the quality of life in communities across the country.
Policy experts believe the government’s renewed emphasis on verification and monitoring reflects growing efforts to address longstanding concerns over abandoned projects, contract inflation, and weak oversight in public sector spending. Improved verification processes, they argue, could help ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and that development projects achieve their intended objectives.
As the Tinubu administration continues to implement its Renewed Hope Agenda, government officials say stricter compliance measures, digital monitoring systems, and enhanced accountability mechanisms will remain central to efforts aimed at improving project delivery and restoring public trust in governance.
