Senate to probe $500m failed Abuja CCTV contract as insecurity worsens

Nigerian Senate at plenary on Wednesday unanimously agreed to probe the $500 million close circuit television (CCT) contract awarded in 2015. for the installation of the camera .

The resolution of the Senate was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved as a point of order by Senator Ned Nwoko on the Galadimawa Kidnapping Tragedy.

The upper chamber called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, to investigate the implementation of the contract.

Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP-Kebbi called for a revisiting of the $500 million contract awarded for the installation of CCTV cameras in the FCT in 2015.

Aliero, said it was a shame, national embarrassment for kidnapping activities to be happening in the FCT, saying the National Assembly had approved over N1 trillion for security agencies to fight insecurity in Nigeria.

It also urged the Minister of FCT to revisit the installation of CCTV contract award within Abuja where over 500 million dollars has been spent and hold the contractor accountable.

Nwoko, in his lead debate expressed concern over recent kidnapping incident in the Galadimawa area of the FCT involving multiple individuals, including his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Chris Agidy.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA- Abia ) said kidnapping was not just in Galadimawa alone, but also in Lugbe, Kubwa Kuje and other parts of the FCT.

He said there was an urgent need for the Senate to take the issue seriously as FCT its environs was under siege of kidnapping.

It also called on the Inspector General of Police to increase the surveillance patrols in Abuja to prevent kidnapping.

The Senate also called on the IGP to conduct thorough investigation into the kidnapping in Abuja.

It also mandated its committees on securities to enforce robust security measures within Abuja and prevail on security agencies to consider installation of the CCTV cameras within specific areas in Abuja and other parts of the country.