Abandoned Projects: IPAC Urges Nwifuru to Sanction Defaulting Contractors in Ebonyi
Ugo Ewa
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ebonyi State has raised the alarm over the growing number of abandoned government projects across the state, calling on Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to compel erring contractors to return to site or have their contracts revoked and public funds recovered.
The State Chairman of IPAC, Comrade Nasir Ernest Nwaze, made the call on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abakaliki, following the council’s annual project inspection tour designed to evaluate government projects, offer objective feedback, and acknowledge areas of progress.
Nwaze said the council visited no fewer than six major project locations, including the Industrial City Clusters at Ezzangbo, the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel, the ICT University at Oferekpe-Agbaja Izzi, the Aeronautical University in Onueke, selected housing estates in Abakaliki, and buildings constructed for traditional rulers.
He expressed deep disappointment at the Industrial City Clusters, describing the site as completely inactive despite prior notice to the supervising ministry.
“There was no single worker on site. The entire place was deserted,” Nwaze said.
According to him, IPAC’s findings revealed a troubling pattern where some contractors only mobilize briefly when they anticipate visits by the governor or inspection teams, only to abandon the projects once such visits are concluded.
At the Aeronautical University, Onueke, the council observed that most structures were still below lintel level, suggesting serious delays and possible abandonment. Nwaze noted that the projects are largely handled by indigenous contractors and stakeholders from Ebonyi State.
He, however, pointed out that one building reportedly owned by a former member of the House of Representatives had reached about 80 to 85 percent completion, standing out as the most advanced structure on the site.
In contrast, IPAC commended the pace of work at the ICT University, Oferekpe-Agbaja Izzi, where construction activities were ongoing and workers were visibly engaged.
The council also expressed satisfaction with progress at the Vanco Flyover and Tunnel, aligning with Governor Nwifuru’s assurance that the project would be completed by next year.
“While Oliver Twist will always ask for more, we can say that the work is progressing at the pace desired by the governor,” Nwaze stated.
At the Ministry of Transport, IPAC raised concerns over newly constructed bus stops that are allegedly underutilized. The council said drivers and commuters complained that task force officials prevent buses from loading at the bus stops, labeling them as mere “resting points,” a situation IPAC said has caused unnecessary hardship for commuters.
While condemning the abandonment of projects, the council appealed to local contractors to justify the confidence reposed in them, warning that their actions undermine the governor’s efforts to empower indigenous businesses.
“These projects are being handled by our own people. They are not helping the governor, and they are not helping Ebonyi State,” Nwaze said.
IPAC also faulted commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants charged with project supervision, accusing them of failing in their monitoring responsibilities.
“The governor cannot award a project and still come down to execute it himself,” he added.
The council urged Governor Nwifuru to take firm steps by forcing contractors back to site, terminating contracts of non-performing firms, and involving security agencies where necessary to recover funds already released.
Despite its criticisms, IPAC praised some members of the state executive council for notable performance. It commended the Attorney General and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, citing the functional state hatchery which it said is now competitive in the market due to innovative reforms.
The Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary) was applauded for sanitizing the education sector by clamping down on fake and substandard schools, including sealing premises used for illegal operations.
IPAC also lauded the Commissioner for Tertiary Education for efficient scholarship administration benefiting Ebonyi students at home and abroad, as well as the Commissioner for Environment, whose initiatives recently earned Ebonyi State recognition as the second cleanest state in Nigeria.
Nwaze emphasized that IPAC’s engagement with the state government is driven by the collective interest of the people, not partisan considerations, noting that the council comprises representatives of different political parties.
He further commended Governor Nwifuru for promoting political inclusiveness and sustaining peace in the state.
“Today, PDP, APGA, and other parties operate freely. We commend the governor for accommodating all parties and for the prevailing peace in Ebonyi State,” he said.
The IPAC chairman urged the governor to sustain his development agenda, describing ongoing projects and reforms as people-centered initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Ebonyi citizens rather than serving partisan interests.
