BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
A Citizens’ Participatory Audit (CPA) report has flagged major gaps in procurement transparency, project execution and infrastructure delivery in selected education projects across 15 local government areas of Kaduna State.
The report was presented at a one-day dissemination organised by the Kaduna Local Government Accountability Mechanism (KAD-LGAM) in collaboration with the Office of the Auditor-General for Local Government, with support from development partners.
The audit assessed budget releases, procurement compliance, quality of work and implementation status of projects, drawing stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organisations and community representatives.
Executive Director of Civic Impact, Yusuf Goje, said the initiative was designed to deepen citizens’ engagement in governance and strengthen accountability in service delivery.
He said the audit team, working with the Office of the Auditor-General for Local Government, carried out physical verification of projects captured in budget performance documents across the 15 LGAs.
“Performance is not just about money spent; it is about what is on ground,” Goje said.
Presenting the findings, Lead, Education Cohort, KAD-LGAM, Alheri Waje, said monitors faced difficulty accessing procurement and contract award data for several projects, limiting independent verification.
She disclosed that 80.8 per cent of schools visited had no project signposts indicating contractor details, project costs or timelines.
On implementation, Waje said only 34.6 per cent of the projects assessed had been completed, while 34 per cent had commenced. She added that 21.2 per cent had not started, 3.8 per cent were uncompleted and 1.9 per cent were ongoing.
The report also highlighted infrastructure deficits, with 78.8 per cent of schools lacking perimeter fencing and 40.4 per cent without functional water sources. It further showed that 76.9 per cent had no security personnel, while 38.5 per cent of respondents expressed concerns about students’ safety.
Waje recommended publication of procurement and contract award data in line with Open Government Partnership commitments, timely release of funds, performance-based monitoring of contractors and strengthened citizen oversight through School-Based Management Committees and KAD-LGAM platforms.
Speaking on the framework, Seth Luke said the CPA is rooted in the Kaduna State Audit Law (2021) and aligned with the State Development Plan (2024–2028) and the OGP State Action Plan III.
Representing the Auditor-General, Deputy Director Yohanna Joshua described the participatory audit as a tool for ensuring economy, efficiency and effectiveness in public spending.
He urged residents to monitor budget releases and project implementation to promote accountability and value for money.
The local government areas covered by the audit include Soba, Zaria, Sabon Gari, Lere, Kudan, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Kajuru, Igabi, Jema’a, Kachia, Sanga, Jaba and Kaura.
