ICPC Tracks N4.61 Billion “Ghost Projects” in Zamfara
GUSAU — The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced a comprehensive audit of 35 Federal Government projects in Zamfara State. Valued at ₦4.61 billion, these initiatives span critical sectors including health, education, power, and agriculture. During a press briefing in Gusau on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Team Leader Dr. Murtala Bankano confirmed the activation of the “Phase Eight” tracking exercise. This initiative aims to verify the physical existence of projects and ensure strict adherence to budgetary specifications. Consequently, the commission has ordered several contractors to return to their sites immediately to remedy identified structural deficiencies. This move signals a renewed offensive against the culture of abandoned projects that often plagues Nigeria’s sub-national development.
The tracking exercise relies on a robust collaborative framework involving the Budget Office and the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS). Bankano emphasized that the primary objective is to guarantee taxpayers receive maximum value for every naira spent. Furthermore, the audit covers high-impact areas such as water resources and youth empowerment programs across the state’s three senatorial districts. While it is true that some projects show satisfactory progress, others remain at various stages of questionable completion. Indeed, the commission is currently awaiting technical reports from the NIQS to determine the exact gauge of work done. For this reason, the ICPC has warned that any evidence of financial misappropriation will lead to immediate prosecution.
The security challenges in Zamfara have historically complicated the delivery and monitoring of federal executive projects. In a related development, the commission is working with local media and civil society to enhance community-based oversight. Granted, the “Constituency Project” model has faced criticism for lack of transparency, but the ICPC insists on reform. Significantly, the current phase focuses on “empowerment” schemes to ensure that intended beneficiaries actually receive the designated items. Notably, the team has already flagged certain discrepancies in the quality of materials used for rural primary health centers. Above all, the commission seeks to bridge the gap between paper approvals and actual on-ground implementation.
Significantly, the success of this phase will depend on the “fear factor” generated by previous high-profile ICPC interventions. Subsequently, the commission will publish a detailed report highlighting both performing and non-performing contractors in the region. Although the ₦4.61 billion represents a fraction of the national budget, its proper utilization remains vital for Zamfara’s recovery. Therefore, the ICPC must ensure that contractors do not simply perform “cosmetic fixes” during the tracking window. As a result of this audit, the commission expects to recover billions in diverted assets across the federation.