Toba Owojaiye ReportingÂ
Dr. ‘Lere Oyewumi, the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, has announced the 10th National Assembly’s intention to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into abandoned federal government projects across the nation. Oyewumi, representing Osun West Senatorial District, revealed this during an interview with journalists in Ikire on Friday.
He reported that there are more than 10,000 projects funded by the Federal Government that remain incomplete in various parts of the country. During their recess, lawmakers plan to gather information about these projects and present their findings to the Senate. Oyewumi emphasized that those responsible for the project delays would not escape accountability.
He explained, “Throughout the country, the Senate has identified over 10,000 abandoned projects. These projects received budget approvals and were presumed to be completed on government records. However, upon inspection at the project sites, no progress was evident.
For instance, in Ikire, a contract awarded in 2010 for a lecture theatre remains unfinished to this day. TETFund has allocated funds for several lecture theatres at Osun State University, Ikire campus, but only one is operational. As the Senate, we have resolved not to tolerate such abandoned projects in the next four years.”
Oyewumi further disclosed that senators have been tasked with identifying abandoned projects in their respective districts and compiling the necessary information. Upon their return to the Senate, an investigation will be launched to determine the causes of project abandonment, including potential faults on the part of the ministry, contractors, or misappropriation of funds.
Regarding local government autonomy, Oyewumi noted that the National Assembly has already granted council areas the authority to manage their affairs independently. However, he stressed the need to monitor and ensure full compliance with this law at the state level.