Amanze Chinonye
A bill seeking to institutionalize transparency and curb the persistent problem of abandoned and poorly executed public projects in Nigeria has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The proposed legislation, titled The National Independent Project Monitoring and Evaluation Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB.2344), was sponsored by Hon. Emeka Chinedu, a member representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency of Imo State.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSpeaking during plenary, Hon. Chinedu said the Bill was driven by a pressing national concern, the widespread misuse of public funds through self-monitoring by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which often results in inflated contracts, incomplete projects, and fictitious claims of execution.
“For too long, MDAs have been initiating and evaluating their own projects, often giving themselves a clean bill of performance even when projects remain abandoned or poorly done,” Chinedu said. “No agency should be allowed to monitor itself.”
The proposed National Independent Project Monitoring and Evaluation Agency would be legally empowered to monitor, assess, and report on all federally funded projects across Nigeria. According to the sponsor, the agency would function with full independence from project-executing bodies, thereby eliminating internal collusion and ensuring real-time, objective oversight.
READ ALSO: Rights Group Accuses FRSC Of Corruption
“This is more than legislation; it is a commitment to institutionalize transparency,” Hon. Chinedu added. “Nigeria must rise above mediocrity and begin to demand value for every naira spent.”
The lawmaker also noted that while the Bill is federally targeted, it is strongly recommended for adoption by sub-national governments, which equally suffer from poor oversight in project execution.
If passed into law, the agency is expected to serve as a crucial watchdog in ensuring accountability, preventing contract inflation, and helping to restore public confidence in government spending.
The Bill now proceeds to the committee stage for further legislative scrutiny.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
