Reps seek speedy funding of $470m CCTV contract

The House of Representatives has urged the executive to urgently fund the office of National Security Adviser (NSA) to power the network for the successful operation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) nationwide.

The House said the commercialized excess capacity of the network should be sold to operators and revenue derived should be used to defray the cost of maintaining and operating the network.

The CCTV contract awarded in Abuja and Lagos to enhance national security came under scrutiny by the House during the 7th Assembly as the cameras installed were said dysfunctional.

Adopting the report of its ad-hoc committee that investigated the award of contract for the installation of the CCTV chaired by Rep Ahmed Yerima (APC, Bauchi), the House said the executive should not privatize the National Public Security Communications System (NPSCS).

The House also said a former permanent secretary in the defunct Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr. James Obeigbu, should be prosecuted for deliberately refusing to release the approved N3bn meant for network operations and maintenance.

The House rejected a recommendation that all ministers who served in the ministry between 2010 and 2014 should be prosecuted for their roles in the contract.