Name Local Contractors In $460m Abuja CCTV Project, SERAP Urges FG

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged the Federal Government to disclose the identities of all local contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and vendors involved in the controversial $460 million Abuja CCTV project, officially known as the National Public Security Communication System.

In a letter dated May 23, 2026, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation asked the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, to provide complete details on payments, project execution, and outstanding deliverables.

SERAP said the Federal Ministry of Finance recently informed the group that there was “an absence of detailed subcontracting records identifying specific local companies that received funds directly from the Chinese loan,” despite acknowledging that local subcontractors may have participated in the project.

According to SERAP, the ministry’s response followed contempt proceedings initiated after the government allegedly failed to fully comply with a 2023 Federal High Court judgment ordering disclosure of details surrounding the CCTV project.

The organisation argued that Nigerians still do not know the names of local contractors involved, raising concerns over transparency, accountability, and record keeping.

SERAP also questioned the implementation status of the project, noting that over 6,000 items reportedly remain unaccounted for.

“The Ministry lists items reportedly delivered in 2013. However, it has failed to clarify how many cameras were installed, where they were installed, whether they are operational, and if the project delivered value for money,” the organisation stated.

The group further recalled that the Federal Government disclosed receiving $399.5 million from the Export-Import Bank of China for the project, alongside counterpart funding of $70.5 million, bringing the total value to about $470 million.

Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE Corporation was listed as the main contractor, while Nigerian subcontractors were allegedly engaged without clear public records.

SERAP warned that failure to fully comply with the court judgment could undermine public trust and judicial authority, especially for a project funded through public borrowing that Nigerians continue to repay.