AKWA IBOM — A Naijaonpointinvestigative team has raised questions over the implementation of a ₦777 million solar street light project reportedly awarded in December 2024 to LEVARD AGRO ALLIED INDUSTRIES LTD for the emergency construction of solar street lights in rural communities across Akwa Ibom State.
The project was reportedly intended to provide solar-powered street lighting in Ikot Afanga, Ikot Ubeng, Ntak Inang and Ikot Abia areas of the state.
However, during an on-the-ground investigation at Ikot Afanga in Essien Udim Local Government Area, the Naijaonpointteam could not identify evidence of the reported project being implemented.
Residents interviewed by the investigative team also expressed unfamiliarity with the reported provision, raising further questions about the status of the project and how the funds allocated for it were utilised.
The village chairman told Naijaonpointthat the only solar street lights currently known to the community were provided by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
According to him, the existing NDDC-installed lights are insufficient to illuminate the entire community.
The findings have therefore prompted questions about the reported ₦777 million expenditure, particularly regarding the scope of work, locations covered, contractors’ activities, payments made and the current status of the project.
Naijaonpointis calling on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), identified as the implementing agency, to provide the public with detailed information on the project.
The agency should clarify when and where the project was executed, the number of solar street lights installed, the contractor’s deliverables, certification and payment records, as well as evidence of completion and commissioning, where applicable.
Naijaonpointwill continue to investigate the project and other public-funded interventions to establish whether budgeted projects are reaching the communities for which they were approved.
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