Lawmakers move to investigate controversial CCTV contract
The House of Representatives has launched a formal investigation into the $460 million Chinese loan obtained for the Abuja Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) project. The decision was made during a plenary session on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by Hon. Amobi Ogah, a Labour Party representative from Abia State.
The motion highlighted growing concerns over the project’s failure to significantly improve security in Nigeria’s capital city, despite the massive financial investment and continued repayment of the loan.
Project initiated to combat insecurity in Abuja
Hon. Ogah reminded lawmakers that the Abuja CCTV project was initiated under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The project was envisioned as a strategic initiative to bolster surveillance, assist law enforcement agencies, and reduce criminal activities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He recounted how in 2010, the then Minister of Finance, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, led a Nigerian delegation to Beijing, China, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ZTE Communications, a Chinese technology firm selected to execute the CCTV installation project.
The funding for the project was part of a larger $600 million credit facility extended to Nigeria by the China-Exim Bank. Out of that amount, $460 million was earmarked specifically for the Abuja CCTV project. The loan agreement included a 10-year grace period, after which Nigeria would begin repayment over another 10 years.
Millions spent, but security remains a concern
Despite the huge investment, the lawmaker expressed deep concern over the minimal impact the CCTV project has had on the city’s security. He noted that Abuja continues to face a range of security threats, from petty crimes to more serious issues like kidnapping and terrorism.
“Considering the scale of investment and the passage of time, it is worrying that this project has not met its stated objectives,” Ogah stated. “Nigerians deserve to know why a project designed to protect lives and property has failed to deliver tangible results.”
The lawmaker’s concerns were echoed by several other members of the House, who stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, especially in public security projects funded through external loans.
Committees tasked with thorough investigation
In response to the motion, the House mandated its Committees on National Security and Intelligence, Finance, and Public Accounts to lead a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
The committees are expected to examine the following:
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The terms and conditions of the $460 million loan agreement
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The status of the CCTV infrastructure installed in Abuja
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The role and performance of ZTE Communications
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Financial disbursements made so far
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Any irregularities in contract execution or project monitoring
The committees have been directed to report back to the House with their findings and recommendations for further legislative action.
Nigerians demand transparency in public projects
The move by the House has been welcomed by civil society organizations and members of the public, many of whom have long questioned the visibility and functionality of the CCTV systems around Abuja. Reports over the years have suggested that many of the cameras are either non-functional or poorly maintained, raising doubts about whether the project was properly executed.
Experts argue that public trust in government will continue to erode unless lawmakers and other oversight institutions hold those responsible for failed or underperforming projects accountable.
What’s next?
With the committees set to begin their investigation, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the probe will lead to consequences for any wrongdoing or mismanagement uncovered. If the findings reveal significant lapses, the House could recommend sanctions, recover funds, or even refer the matter to anti-corruption agencies for further action.
For now, the spotlight remains on how $460 million was spent — and whether it truly delivered value in making Abuja safer.
