The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has petitioned the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), calling for a full investigation into alleged substandard classroom projects in Abia State valued at ₦204.2 million.
The civic organisation is also urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a joint probe into possible procurement fraud, poor supervision, and contract abuse linked to the projects.
FENRAD made the demand in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request and accompanying statement issued on Saturday, following civic monitoring findings by Tracka which allegedly revealed payment of ₦204.2 million in March 2025 for classroom construction and furnishing in Abia State.
The projects were reportedly executed by JAY JAY BADMUS INVESTMENT LTD at Eziama Nneato Model Secondary School, Amaise Ahaba Ward 1, and Ulasi Road Primary School.
According to FENRAD, follow-up inspections conducted in March 2026 showed visible structural defects, including cracks, weak surfaces, poor finishing, and signs of rapid deterioration, despite the relatively short time since completion.
The group described the situation as alarming and unacceptable, warning that the condition of the buildings poses safety risks to pupils, teachers, and host communities.
“It is completely unacceptable that public infrastructure funded with taxpayers’ money and intended to improve educational outcomes could deteriorate so rapidly,” the organisation said.
FENRAD further raised concerns over possible lapses in procurement procedures, engineering standards, contractor selection, and project supervision, suggesting potential abuse of office or diversion of public resources.
The organisation also faulted constituency oversight mechanisms, insisting that elected representatives failed to ensure proper monitoring of the projects.
In its FOI request addressed to OSSAP-SDGs, FENRAD demanded full disclosure of procurement and implementation records, including contract awards, Bills of Quantities, engineering drawings, payment approvals, supervision reports, and structural integrity assessments.
It also requested details of supervising engineers, consultants, monitoring officers, and quality assurance personnel involved in the projects, as well as clarification on whether independent material tests were conducted before handover.
FENRAD warned that failure to respond within the statutory seven-day period under the FOI Act could trigger further legal and accountability actions.
The organisation also called for immediate structural integrity tests on the affected buildings and urged anti-corruption agencies to investigate allegations of corruption, negligence, and procurement irregularities.
It demanded sanctions against any contractor or official found culpable, stressing that public infrastructure must reflect value for money and safety standards.
“Public infrastructure is not a political favour; it is a constitutional obligation funded with public resources,” FENRAD stated, adding that it would continue pursuing accountability through lawful means.
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