SERAP insists on full disclosure of the $460 million Abuja CCTV Project

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy to “immediately disclose the identities of all local contractors, subcontractors, consultants, vendors and other entities benefiting from payments for the National Public Security Communications System project in Abuja, commonly referred to as the $460 million Abuja CCTV Project.”

The Federal Ministry of Finance, in response to SERAP’s contempt proceedings, recently revealed that: “Records from the Ministry of Police indicate that although local subcontractors may have been involved, there are no detailed subcontractor records identifying specific local companies that received funds directly from Chinese loans.”

The Ministry disclosed this in a letter dated May 15, 2026 and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, RO Omachi.

Responding, SERAP in a letter dated May 23, 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said: “We are concerned that despite the decision being delivered in May 2023, the Ministry only released some information after we initiated contempt proceedings and served a Notice to Show Cause in January 2026.”

According to SERAP, “Nigerians still do not know the exact names of local contractors for the project. This absence of information raises serious concerns regarding record-keeping, transparency and accountability, and whether the project is being implemented in a manner consistent with the public interest.”

On May 15, 2023, the Federal High Court ordered the Ministry of Finance to disclose the total amount paid under the Abuja CCTV loan of $460 million, the identity of the local and Chinese contractors who received the funds, the status of project implementation, and details relating to the N1.5 billion reportedly paid for the Code Bureau head office project.

SERAP said, “The details provided only cover partial compliance with Judge Emeka Nwite’s ruling. Key questions remain unanswered, and further clarification is required to ensure full and effective compliance with the ruling.”

SERAP’s letter, which read in part: “We would be grateful if the requested details are provided within 48 hours of receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by that time, SERAP will continue our contempt proceedings against the Federal Ministry of Finance for failure to fully and effectively comply with the decision of the Federal High Court.”

“SERAP appreciates the steps taken by the Ministry in providing some information regarding the withdrawal of Chinese loans, partner funding arrangements, and certain records regarding the delivery of equipment related to the project.”

“However, there is still no explanation regarding the 6,035 items missing as part of the project implementation status. It remains unclear whether the items have been delivered, whether payments have been made, whether the contractor has defaulted, whether Nigerians have suffered any financial loss, and whether any steps have been taken to recover public funds.”

“The Ministry noted the items were reportedly delivered in 2013. However, the Ministry failed to explain how many cameras were installed, if any; where they were installed; whether the cameras were operational; and whether the project generated monetary value.”

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“The inability or failure to disclose these records raises serious public concerns regarding record-keeping, contract administration, and accountability for public expenditures.”

“For a project financed through government loans—a debt that Nigerians continue to repay—full transparency towards all beneficiaries, both foreign and domestic, is essential. Nigerians have a right to know how public funds are spent, who receives them, and what is given in return.”

“Compliance with court decisions is fundamental to the rule of law and constitutional governance. Government agencies cannot selectively comply with court orders or release partial information while withholding records that are critical to public accountability.”

“Full implementation of Justice Emeka Nwite’s ruling is necessary not only to uphold the public’s right to information, but also to strengthen confidence in the judiciary and strengthen the accountability of public institutions under the law.”

“Failure to fully comply with Justice Emeka Nwite’s decision risks undermining the authority of the judiciary, undermining democratic accountability, and impeding Nigerians’ access to information regarding the use of public resources.”

“The importance of full disclosure of information is further exacerbated by the ongoing security crisis across Nigeria, including persistent insecurity in Abuja, where this project is specifically aimed at strengthening surveillance, public safety and emergency response.”

“Residents of the Federal Capital Territory and several states, including Benue and Oyo, continue to face kidnappings, violent crime and other serious threats to safety, while communities across the country grapple with widespread insecurity and loss of life.”

“Against this backdrop, Nigerians deserve to know whether the Abuja CCTV project has been fully implemented, whether it is operational, whether the infrastructure is working, and whether major public investments are achieving promised security outcomes.”

“When hundreds of millions of dollars are borrowed in the name of public safety, transparency is critical. Accountability becomes even more urgent when insecurity persists despite massive public spending.”

“Nigerians deserve clear answers about what has been done, who has benefited financially, whether the project can be fully operational, and whether the funds invested improve security in Abuja and across the country.”

“The Federal Government must seize this opportunity to fully comply with Justice Emeka Nwite’s ruling, disclose all outstanding records, and assure the Nigerian people that public resources allocated in the name of security have been used lawfully and effectively.”

“SERAP notes the disclosure that the Federal Government received US$399.5 million from the Export-Import Bank of China for the National Public Security Communications System (commonly referred to as the Abuja CCTV Project).”

“According to the Ministry, the funds were withdrawn in ten tranches between March 2011 and December 2013. The letter also confirms that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Police, contributed US$70.5 million as counterpart funding, representing 15% of the total project cost of US$470 million.”

“The naira equivalent paid was ₦10.68 billion, at an exchange rate of ₦150/$1, including 1% Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) commission.”

“The Ministry also confirmed that the main contractor for the project was ZTE Corporation of China, with payments made through Bank of China, Shenzhen Branch. However, although the Ministry said that local subcontractors ‘may have been involved,’ they claimed that they did not have detailed records identifying the local companies that received payments from the loan.”

“According to the Ministry, several equipment items—including GOTA phones, data cards, PC servers, LED monitors, cables, and related communications infrastructure—have been delivered. Inventory records show 61,970 units were delivered of the expected 68,005, leaving 6,035 units undelivered.”

“The ministry further clarified that the mobilization payment of ₦1.5 billion for the Code of Conduct Bureau headquarters was not part of the Chinese loan arrangement.”

SERAP therefore urges Mr Oyedele and the Federal Ministry of Finance to fully, effectively and promptly implement the Federal High Court decision ordering the disclosure of information relating to the Abuja CCTV project including by:

Publish the names of all Nigerian companies, subcontractors, consultants and vendors involved in the project. Disclose the amount paid to each contractor or subcontractor and the nature of the work performed.

Provides details of project implementation status including issuing certificates of completion, and accounts for 6,035 project items identified as non-deliverable.