The House of Representatives has launched a fresh investigation into the controversial $460 million CCTV project funded by a Chinese loan during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The project, initiated to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to strengthen security, has remained largely unexecuted despite continuous repayment of the loan.

The move followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Amobi Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State, during Wednesday’s plenary session.

Ogah said the current wave of insecurity in Abuja made it critical for lawmakers to revisit the failed project.

He recalled that in 2010, the Federal Government signed a $460 million loan agreement with the China-EXIM Bank to fund the CCTV installation. The contract was awarded to ZTE Communications, a Chinese technology firm, after an agreement signed by then Finance Minister Dr. Olusegun Aganga in Beijing.

According to Ogah, the loan was part of a $600 million soft credit facility, repayable in 10 years after an initial 10-year grace period.

Despite the massive expenditure, Ogah lamented that no evidence of the project’s effectiveness exists, as insecurity in Abuja has worsened, with frequent cases of unmonitored and unresolved criminal incidents.

“The country continues to service a loan obtained for a project that remains non-functional — a lose-lose nightmare,” he said.

The issue had earlier come under scrutiny in 2019, when the 9th House of Representatives questioned the Ministry of Finance about the project’s status. Then-Minister Zainab Ahmed admitted that the loan was still being serviced but failed to provide details on implementation.

In 2023, the Federal High Court in Abuja also ordered the government to disclose how the $460 million was spent, following a case filed by the Socio-Economic and Accountability Project (SERAP).

During Wednesday’s debate, several lawmakers expressed outrage at the waste of public funds.

Billy Osawaru from Edo State urged the House to strengthen oversight and ensure accountability:

“The House must carry out effective oversight for the good of Nigerians. We must discourage bad behaviour.”

Similarly, Ahmad Jaha, representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal Constituency in Borno State, demanded a detailed probe into the entire project.

“A lot of money was spent to procure CCTVs, but they are nowhere to be found. With the country still paying debts, we must get to the root of this matter,” he said.

The House is expected to mandate its relevant committees to investigate the matter and present a report in the coming weeks.