Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele stated on Monday that one of the primary challenges facing constituency projects in Nigeria is the lack of transparency and accountability. He urged contractors awarded constituency projects nationwide to execute their work efficiently and transparently.
Speaking in Abuja at a policy dialogue titled “The Role of the Private Sector in the Implementation of Constituency Projects in Nigeria,” organized by OrderPaper Nigeria in collaboration with budgiT and the MacArthur Foundation, Bamidele emphasized that these projects are often marred by allegations of corruption, misallocation of funds, and incomplete work. He highlighted the crucial role the private sector can play in fostering a culture of accountability.
Bamidele noted that contractors are vital in ensuring communities benefit from government projects. He suggested that the private sector’s expertise could lead to more efficient project completion at lower costs and higher quality, particularly in infrastructure like roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities.
He added that technology companies could develop digital platforms for monitoring constituency project progress, enhancing transparency and reducing corruption risks. By investing their resources, private companies aim to achieve tangible results, which can facilitate strong monitoring and evaluation frameworks for constituency projects. Collaborations with civil society organizations, local governments, and the media could help ensure transparency and measurable outcomes that genuinely benefit the people.
Also addressing the event, EFCC chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede attributed the abandonment and poor delivery of constituency projects to the involvement of some National Assembly members.
