ICPC, ministry of works launch audit of 760 federal road projects worth N36trn

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Ministry of Works have launched a nationwide audit of 760 federal road projects valued at over N36 trillion, in a move to strengthen transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public infrastructure spending.

The initiative, known as the Special Tracking Exercise, began on November 14, 2025, and mobilises joint teams of ICPC investigators, engineers from the Ministry of Works, and independent professionals from organisations such as the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS).

The teams are deployed across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to carry out on-the-ground inspections and performance audits of ongoing and completed projects.

ICPC stated that the audit seeks to ensure sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure development by promoting optimal use of public funds, while also strengthening procurement integrity by investigating and deterring fraudulent practices in contract awards.

The exercise is designed to enforce contractor accountability by monitoring project execution, compelling the completion of abandoned works, and ensuring strict adherence to contractual specifications.

In addition, the audit aims to recover public funds from projects found to be grossly inflated or poorly executed.

The ongoing fieldwork involves detailed reviews of project sites, records, and deliverables.

State-level findings will be consolidated into a comprehensive national report, highlighting compliance levels, identifying irregularities, and forming the basis for enforcement actions against any implicated individuals or organisations.

“This exercise represents a proactive, system-driven approach to safeguarding our national infrastructure investments,” the Commission said.

“Tracking 760 projects of this magnitude underscores our commitment to closing leakages, promoting accountability, and ensuring that public projects deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.”

ICPC reaffirmed its dedication to collaborative governance, emphasising the importance of integrity in public procurement and project execution.