🇳🇬 Nigeria Takes On Abandoned Projects With New Monitoring Agency
The House of Representatives has advanced a bill to create the National Independent Project Monitoring Agency (NIPMA), targeting Nigeria’s epidemic of abandoned, delayed, and substandard public projects.
🔍 Key Objectives of NIPMA:
✔ Real-time tracking of federal projects
✔ Independent oversight to prevent contractor-MDA collusion
✔ Cost-saving audits to detect inflated budgets
✔ Job creation for engineers, surveyors & data analysts
💡 Why It Matters:
- Trillions of Naira wasted yearly on failed projects
- Self-monitoring by MDAs breeds corruption & inefficiency
- Citizen distrust in government spending
📜 The Bill at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Hon. Chinedu Emeka Martins (House of Reps) |
| Status | Passed second reading |
| Core Mandate | Monitor all federally funded projects |
| Key Benefit | Save billions of Naira via early fraud detection |
| Complementary Bodies | Works with BPP, Auditor-General’s Office (no overlap) |
🚧 Nigeria’s Abandoned Project Crisis
📉 Current Reality:
- Thousands of projects left incomplete despite budget allocations
- MDAs mark their own homework → No accountability
- Ghost projects & inflated costs drain public funds
💬 Hon. Chinedu’s Words:
“You cannot be a judge in your own case. Self-supervision enables contractors to cut corners.”
✅ How NIPMA Will Fix This
1️⃣ Independent Audits
- On-site inspections by engineers & auditors
- AI & satellite tracking for remote monitoring
2️⃣ Transparency Boost
- Public project dashboards for citizen oversight
- Real-time alerts on delays/budget breaches
3️⃣ Economic Impact
- Jobs: 5,000+ roles for professionals
- Investor confidence: Proper infrastructure attracts business
🚀 Expected Outcomes
📈 Short-Term:
- Reduce new abandoned projects by 50% in 2 years
- Recover ₦500B+ via cost-saving audits
🏗️ Long-Term:
- Restore public trust in governance
- Catalyze commerce via completed roads, schools, hospitals
🗳️ Next Steps for the Bill
📅 Legislative Process:
- Public hearings (Stakeholder input)
- Third reading & Senate concurrence
- Presidential assent
⚠️ Potential Hurdles:
- Pushback from MDAs losing oversight control
- Funding allocation debates
💬 Public Reaction
👥 Supporters Say:
- “Finally, a solution to Nigeria’s white elephant projects!”
- “This will curb the ‘contractor-bank account’ mentality.”
🤔 Skeptics Ask:
- “Will NIPMA itself be well-funded and independent?”
- “What stops corrupt officials from hijacking it?”
📢 Join the Conversation
💬 “Will NIPMA end Nigeria’s abandoned project shame?”
🗣️ Share your thoughts #NIPMABill
About the author
Conseil des ministres au Burkina Faso : session présidée par Ibrahim Traoré à Ouagadougou
Le Conseil des ministres du Burkina Faso s’est réuni à Ouagadougou le jeudi 12 mars 2026 pour une séance ordinaire présidée par Ibrahim Traoré, Président du Faso et Président du Conseil des ministres. La réunion s’est tenue de 09 h 00 à 11 h 01 et a permis d’examiner plusieurs dossiers inscrits à l’ordre du jour. Principaux points abordés Au cours de cette séance, le Conseil des ministres a : délibéré sur plusieurs dossiers relatifs à la gestion des affaires de l’État ; entendu une communication orale portant sur des questions d’intérêt national ; procédé à des nominations dans l’administration publique ; autorisé certaines missions officielles à l’étranger. Cette session s’inscrit dans le cadre des réunions ordinaires du gouvernement visant à assurer la conduite des politiques publiques, la coordination de l’action gouvernementale et le suivi des décisions de l’exécutif. Le […]
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong Thanks Mahama for Appointment as Fire Service Chief
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, the Chief Fire Officer and Director-General of the Ghana National Fire Service, has expressed deep appreciation to John Dramani Mahama for appointing her to lead the service. Speaking in an interview on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Madam Ntow Sarpong also extended her gratitude to Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and the governing National Democratic Congress for the confidence placed in her leadership. “I want to use this opportunity to thank President Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana, and the entire NDC government for the confidence reposed in me and for honouring me with this leadership role,” she said. Commitment to Serve The Fire Chief pledged to meet the expectations attached to the position, assuring both government and the public of her dedication to the role. “I pledge to fulfil my mandate and discharge my duties […]
No Ghanaian Casualties in Middle East Tensions – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that no Ghanaian has been killed or injured following the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, as government steps up efforts to protect its citizens in the region. In a Facebook update on Tuesday, March 3, the Minister revealed that he convened a virtual meeting with Ghana’s Ambassadors and Consuls General across the Middle East to assess the situation and coordinate further consular interventions. “This evening, I convened a virtual meeting with our Ambassadors and Consuls General in the Middle East to assess the latest developments and explore further consular interventions towards the protection of Ghanaians,” he stated. Diplomatic Coordination Across the Region Heads of Mission from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Turkey participated in the discussions. “I am glad to report that so far no Ghanaian […]
IET-GH Marks World Engineering Day, Highlights Engineers’ Role in Ghana’s Development
The Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana has joined the global engineering community in marking World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, observed annually on March 4 and endorsed by UNESCO. In a statement issued to commemorate the day, the Institution highlighted the central role engineers play in Ghana’s development. It noted that engineering remains vital to infrastructure delivery, environmental protection, industrial growth, and technological progress. Engineering at the Heart of National Development According to IET-GH, Ghanaian engineers are providing practical solutions to major national challenges, including climate change, sanitation, energy transition, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. The Institution reaffirmed its commitment to ethical standards, innovation, and professional excellence, stressing that the country’s long-term growth will depend heavily on the expertise, creativity, and integrity of its engineers. It also encouraged young people to consider careers in engineering, describing the profession […]
Ga Traditional Council Summons KOKA Over Comments About COCOBOD CEO
The Ga Traditional Council has summoned entertainment critic Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, popularly known as KOKA, over comments he allegedly made on social media concerning the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Randey Abbey. In a formal letter, the Council directed KOKA to appear before Ga chiefs and priests at the Ga Mantse Palace on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The traditional authorities stressed the importance of his presence, urging him to treat the invitation with urgency and seriousness. “Your presence is respectfully requested to address the matter and offer any necessary explanations. Kindly treat this invitation with the seriousness it deserves,” the letter stated. The correspondence was signed by the Secretary of the Court of Priests of Ga, acting on behalf of the Chief Priest of the Ga Traditional Area.
Ghana to Declare 21 Marine Protected Areas Starting at Greater Cape Three Points
Ghana is preparing to declare 21 coastal communities as Marine Protected Areas in a major step toward restoring marine biodiversity and strengthening fisheries management. The first declaration is expected to take place at Greater Cape Three Points in the Western Region. Once designated, fishing activities within the protected zones will be restricted to allow depleted fish stocks to recover. Part of the Global 30×30 Target The move forms part of Ghana’s commitment to the global 30×30 target, which calls for the protection of at least 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030. The goal falls under Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework and has been adopted by more than 190 countries. Despite the widespread commitment, progress remains slow. Since 2022, global reviews show that only about 2.9 percent of the ocean is fully or highly […]
Related
Iran war: Falana urges Nigeria to work with other countries to pressure Trump
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called on Nigeria to collaborate with other countries to mount diplomatic pressure on United States President Donald Trump over the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel and the US. Falana said Nigeria should revive its tradition of multilateral diplomacy, like in the days of the Non Aligned Movement, by working with other nations to ensure respect for international law and to push for restraint on all sides. He criticised Trump for what he described as contempt for international law and United Nations resolutions, noting that the US under his watch has withdrawn from dozens of UN decisions. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria argued that Nigeria and other countries must persuade global powers such as China and Russia to intervene diplomatically in the crisis, since they wield significant influence over […]
Police investigate alleged shooting of comedian Broda Shaggi
The police have opened an investigation into the alleged shooting of popular skit maker and comedian Samuel Perry, better known as Broda Shaggi, during a skit shoot in Ogun State. Reports say Broda Shaggi sustained a gunshot injury on Sunday afternoon while filming a comedy skit under the Sango Ota bridge in the Sango Ota area of Ogun. A police source quoted in multiple reports said the exact circumstances of the shooting remain unclear, but confirmed that the injury occurred at the location where he and his crew were working. He was first rushed to Blooming Care Hospital in the Alakuko area of Lagos, where he received initial treatment, before being transferred to Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja for further care. Hospital staff subsequently notified the Lagos State Police Command that a gunshot victim had been brought in. Confirming the […]
Anti terror war: Tinubu boosts military equipment for tougher security push
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has moved to further strengthen Nigeria’s anti terrorism and anti banditry campaign by boosting the supply of modern military equipment to the armed forces. He has approved the procurement of additional mine resistant ambush protected vehicles, armoured vehicles and patrol trucks to improve troop protection and battlefield mobility across all theatres of operation. The government has also refurbished more than 100 armoured fighting vehicles and returned them to active service as part of a wider effort to upgrade existing assets. Tinubu said his administration is committed to the full modernisation of the armed forces through better training, equipment and enhanced operational capacity to confront evolving threats. Beyond land platforms, the President has in recent months inducted new air assets into the Nigerian Air Force, including T 129 ATAK combat helicopters, A109S Trekker helicopters, King Air surveillance […]
Court warns Sowore, threatens to revoke bail and order his arrest
A Federal High Court in Abuja has threatened to revoke the bail granted to activist and politician Omoyele Sowore and issue a warrant for his arrest in his ongoing cybercrime case. Sowore is standing trial on amended charges of cyberstalking and criminal defamation over social media posts in which he allegedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal” and made other statements the prosecution says could incite public disorder. The case was filed by the Department of State Services under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention and Amendment) Act, 2024. At the latest hearing, the trial judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, expressed displeasure that Sowore was not in court. In a brief ruling, he warned that if the defendant fails to attend the next sitting, the court will revoke his bail and order his arrest so he can be produced by force. […]
FG designates Ikom Dam as strategic national asset
The Federal Government has declared the Ikom Dam in Cross River State a strategic national asset, underscoring its importance for water supply, irrigation, power and food security. Officials said the dam and its associated Boki Ikom Irrigation Project are central to plans to open up more than 2,000 hectares of arable land for large scale, commercially viable farming in the region. The Cross River Basin Development Authority described the scheme as a key intervention that can attract private and foreign investment and boost agro industrial value chains. By granting the “strategic asset” status, the government aims to prioritise funding, maintenance and security for the dam and related infrastructure. The move aligns with a wider policy shift that treats major dams and irrigation projects as critical to national development, climate resilience and rural employment. The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation […]
Senate confirms Dakingari as non career ambassador
The Senate has approved the appointment of former Kebbi State governor Saidu Usman Dakingari as a non career ambassador, following a fresh nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the confirmation during plenary after the lawmakers considered the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which screened Dakingari and recommended his approval. The confirmation puts an end to weeks of controversy over his earlier botched posting as ambassador to Turkey. In January, the presidency had named Dakingari among new ambassador designates and announced his posting to Turkey, claiming the appointments were drawn from 68 envoys confirmed by the Senate in December 2025. It later emerged that his name was not on the original list screened and approved by the upper chamber, forcing the presidency to withdraw the announcement and blame a “naming mix up.” To […]