Government Officials Emphasize Importance of Project Verification Procedures
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dr. Onwusoro Ihemerandu, has issued a stern warning to Ministries and Agencies (MDAs) regarding the critical need to adhere to mandatory project verification and certification protocols. Failure to comply could result in administrative sanctions and potential referrals to anti-corruption agencies.
Concerns Over Compliance Among Agencies
During the launch of the 2023-2025 Status Report and Summary on Zonal Interventions and Constituency Projects in Abuja on Tuesday, Ihemerandu expressed concern that several MDAs have consistently neglected the established guidelines governing the implementation and financial disbursement of federally funded initiatives. He noted that a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation mandates all implementing agencies to submit their projects for verification and certification by the ministry prior to contractor payments.
Directive Ignored by Government Agencies
Despite the clear directive, certain government agencies have repeatedly ignored the requirement, complicating the certification process. Ihemerandu emphasized the necessity for MDAs to collaborate with the ministry for project-verification measures before disbursements are approved. He asserted, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse. We are here to assist you. Please reach out so we can ensure proper execution.”
Consequences for Non-Compliance
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the mandatory nature of this compliance, warning that non-adherence could lead to serious repercussions. “Failing to comply with the provisions of the circular may result in sanctions, including exclusion from future responsibilities and referral to relevant agencies and law enforcement,” he stated. Key organizations that may be engaged in enforcing compliance include the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).
Promoting Transparency through Certification Framework
Ihemerandu elaborated on the verification and certification framework, designed to foster transparency, accountability, and cost-effectiveness in the execution of constituency and community intervention projects nationwide. Nonetheless, he reported that project implementation performance is still lagging. Out of 1,347 projects set for verification in 2023, only 389 were successfully verified—yielding a performance rate of just 28.88%. The figures for 2024 showed a modest improvement, with 483 projects verified out of 1,120, marking a performance rate of 43.13%.
Enhancing Project Monitoring with Technology
Improvements have been driven by reforms introduced under the current administration, particularly the Geographic Information System-based Project Management Information System (GIS-PMIS), which enhances project monitoring and reporting. Ihemerandu indicated that this digital platform has significantly improved real-time tracking, georeferenced verification, and data management, thereby making project oversight more efficient.
Addressing Ongoing Challenges in Project Implementations
Despite recent advancements, several challenges remain, including consistent non-compliance by MDAs, implementation delays, inadequate inter-agency coordination, and logistical difficulties in nationwide monitoring exercises. To counter these issues, the ministry plans to reinforce its enforcement of compliance directives and enhance its monitoring capabilities, making it clear that sanctions will be applied where warranted.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability in Projects
The Honourable Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zephaniah Vitrus Gisaro, emphasized the significance of the brief as an essential accountability tool, underscoring the ministry’s dedication to monitoring, verifying, certifying, and coordinating federal projects. Major investments have been made in infrastructure, health, education, water supply, security, and youth empowerment. Effective monitoring is fundamental to ensuring these interventions provide tangible benefits to citizens and contribute to broader national development goals.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s representative, Hajia Nana Shettima, called upon public officials and stakeholders to commit to transparency and accountability in project implementation. Her exhortation reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance oversight of constituency and community projects and to bolster public confidence in government expenditures.
