Institute Under Fire for Spending N1.3bn on School Fences in Abia

A civic accountability organisation, MonITng, has raised alarm over a N1.3 billion Zonal Intervention Project (ZIP) in Abia State, accusing government officials of misplaced priorities and potential diversion of public funds.

In a petition addressed to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), the group questioned Project Code: ZIP20250570, titled “Construction of Perimeter Fence in Selected Schools in Bende Federal Constituency.”

The project is reportedly being executed by the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike — a move the group described as inappropriate. MonITng argued that an agricultural research institute has no technical mandate or expertise in school infrastructure projects, adding that such assignments “undermine transparency, accountability, and quality delivery.”

The group also faulted the lack of specific details about the project, noting that the phrase “selected schools” was ambiguous and left room for manipulation. It warned that the vagueness could foster “corruption, inflated contracts, and ghost projects.”

Criticising the choice of priorities, MonITng stated that several schools in Bende Federal Constituency still lack classrooms, furniture, and roofs. “What is the value of a fence when pupils sit on bare floors?” the group asked.

The organisation urged @icpcnigeria and @officialEFCC to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure accountability for every kobo spent. It also called on the Ministry of Agriculture to publish the list of beneficiary schools.

MonITng concluded that the N1.3 billion allocation could have been better utilised to provide classrooms, water supply, and essential learning facilities, describing the project as “a distortion of purpose and a misuse of public resources.”