Uyo, Akwa Ibom – A civic platform, MonITNG has accused contractors and officials of mismanaging a federal constituency project involving the construction and equipping of an ICT centre in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, describing it as "overpriced" and poorly delivered despite substantial funds released.

The project, coded ERGP20247175 in the 2024 Federal Government budget, was allocated ₦355 million for the "construction of an ICT Centre in Etim Ekpo, Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District."

It is being executed by the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

According to a detailed thread posted on X (formerly Twitter) by MonitNG associated with project tracking initiative Tracka, over ₦220 million was disbursed to contractors in September and November 2024 alone.

This includes ₦102 million paid to Alpuba Services Limited, Abuja, for construction works, and ₦118.3 million to D’Frontiers Multiproject Nig. Ltd for supply of equipment and furnishing under Lot G29.

The post alleges that the project, facilitated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, raises "serious concerns" due to its routing through an agency focused on cooperative education and rural agriculture rather than digital infrastructure.

It claims this is part of a broader pattern in constituency projects where unrelated ministries and agencies are used, leading to weak oversight, inflated costs, and substandard delivery.

Field tracking by the group reportedly found the centre located at Ikono Annang Comprehensive Secondary School in Nkwot Ikono, Etim Ekpo LGA.

While a building has been constructed and partially furnished with 25 desktop computers, basic tables, and stools, key essentials are said to be missing, like UPS systems, printers, backup power (generator or solar), ceiling fans, whiteboards, and a perimeter fence.

The facility is described as "largely unusable and locked," providing no benefit to students or teachers.

Additional criticisms include political branding on project signposts featuring images of officeholders, including Akpabio, which the group says turns taxpayer-funded infrastructure into "personal political billboards."

The post calls on anti-corruption agencies, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate, urging the Federal Cooperative College to ensure contractors complete the work and account for funds expended.

Senate President Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, has previously commissioned several constituency projects in the area, including ICT centres and classroom blocks in Etim Ekpo and nearby LGAs.

In August 2025, reports indicated he commissioned facilities in Etim Ekpo, praising President Bola Tinubu for prompt release of funds for such projects.

As of now, there has been no public response from Senate President Akpabio, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, or the named contractors to the specific allegations.

Civic groups like Tracka emphasize the need for greater transparency in constituency projects to ensure public funds deliver tangible community benefits.

The allegations highlight ongoing debates about oversight and value-for-money in Nigeria's zonal intervention projects.