Lawmakers push to halt ZTE payments over failed CCTV project
The House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee is investigating the $460 million CCTV surveillance project in the Federal Capital Territory. Lawmakers have asked the Central Bank of Nigeria to suspend further payments to ZTE Corporation until the company provides satisfactory explanations about the project. Committee members expressed frustration over unclear details from ZTE, particularly regarding equipment, locations, and the status of trained personnel. The project, originally aimed at improving urban security, has faced ongoing criticism for its lack of visible results.
What we know
- The committee resolved to notify the Central Bank of Nigeria to stop payments to ZTE Corporation pending further clarification on the project.
- Lawmakers demanded comprehensive documentation from ZTE, including details of equipment, project locations, and information about the 456 Nigerians trained for the system.
- Irene Momoh, ZTE’s Company Secretary, stated the project was completed around 2011/2012, but could not confirm if the cameras are still operational.
- Lawmakers disputed ZTE’s claims about the locations of installed equipment, with some insisting that no cameras exist in their constituencies outside Lagos.
- A representative from the Central Bank disclosed that as of March 2026, ZTE was due to receive $15.37 million as part of a loan repayment arrangement.
