The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the $460 million CCTV surveillance project in the Federal Capital Territory has directed authorities to halt further payments to ZTE Corporation.
Lawmakers say the suspension will remain in place until the company provides clear and satisfactory explanations on the execution of the contract.
The committee resolved to notify the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop further disbursements linked to the project.
This decision followed mounting frustration among lawmakers over what they described as inconsistencies and lack of clarity in ZTE’s presentation.
During the hearing, legislators demanded detailed records from ZTE.
They asked the company to provide:
- A list of all installed equipment
- Verified project locations across Nigeria
- Names and contact details of 456 Nigerians reportedly trained to manage the system
Lawmakers insisted that only full disclosure would clarify the project’s true status.
Speaking on behalf of the company, ZTE’s Secretary, Irene Momoh, said the firm completed installation of CCTV systems in Abuja and Lagos around 2011/2012.
However, he admitted uncertainty about whether the cameras are still operational.
He explained that ZTE maintained the system for six months before handing it over to the government, adding that further maintenance depended on continued funding.
Lawmakers strongly challenged ZTE’s claims.
For instance, Iyawe Esosa cited official documents indicating installations in Edo State. However, he said no such infrastructure exists in Benin City.
Similarly, Kolawale Akinlayo dismissed claims of installations in Ekiti State, insisting that no CCTV systems were deployed there.
These contradictions raised serious doubts about the project’s scope and delivery.
Tensions escalated when Momoh said he assumed office in 2023 and lacked full details of the original contract.
Lawmakers rejected this explanation and accused him of evading responsibility.
They warned that they could report him to the Nigerian Bar Association for possible disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, a representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria advised that any directive should go through the Office of the Accountant-General for proper implementation.
He revealed that ZTE is still due to receive $15.37 million as part of an ongoing loan repayment arrangement as of March 2026.
The committee has now summoned ZTE for further questioning and insists on documentary proof of project handover, including details of the government agencies that took control of the system.
The CCTV initiative was launched under former President Goodluck Jonathan to improve urban security.
The project, funded through a loan from the Chinese government, aimed to deploy thousands of surveillance cameras across Abuja, Lagos, and other cities, supported by command-and-control centres.
At the time, officials described it as a major step toward tackling terrorism, kidnapping, and urban crime.
However, years after its reported completion, the project remains controversial.
Security experts and citizens have repeatedly questioned its effectiveness, especially as crime rates continued to rise without visible surveillance support.
In addition, successive governments have faced criticism over poor maintenance, funding gaps, and alleged contract irregularities.
The ongoing probe represents a renewed effort to uncover the truth behind one of Nigeria’s most expensive security projects.
Lawmakers say the investigation will ensure accountability and prevent similar failures in future public investments.
