FENRAD accuses Rep. Mascot Ikwechegh of alleged failed ₦204.2m SDGs classroom projects in Aba

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria has accused Alex Mascot Ikwechegh of facilitating allegedly failed classroom construction projects funded under the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) in Aba, Abia State.

The civil society organization and public accountability watchdog raised the allegation while demanding an immediate investigation into the deteriorating classroom projects reportedly valued at ₦204.2 million.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD alleged that the affected projects, located at Eziama Nneato Model Secondary School, Amaise Ahaba Ward 1, and Ulasi Road Primary School, Aba, were facilitated through the office of the lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abuja.

According to FENRAD, findings published by civic technology and public expenditure monitoring platform Tracka indicated that ₦204.2 million was reportedly paid in March 2025 to Jay Jay Badmus Investment Ltd, for the construction and furnishing of classroom blocks under the SDGs intervention framework.

The organization stated that although the projects were reportedly completed, independent monitoring visits allegedly uncovered disturbing structural defects, including cracks, weak surfaces, poor finishing, and rapid deterioration less than two years after completion.

FENRAD described the situation as unacceptable and dangerous, stressing that educational infrastructure funded with public resources should meet approved engineering and safety standards.

“The rapid deterioration of these classroom structures raises serious concerns regarding procurement integrity, contractor competence, project supervision, quality assurance mechanisms, value for public funds, and the safety of schoolchildren and teachers expected to use the facilities,” the statement read.

The group further accused relevant oversight authorities of failing to ensure proper monitoring and accountability throughout the implementation of the projects.

FENRAD said it has formally submitted a Freedom of Information request to the OSSAP-SDGs office demanding full disclosure of all documents and records related to the projects.

The organization is seeking access to contract award documents, Bills of Quantities, procurement records, engineering drawings, payment approvals, supervision reports, quality assurance records, structural integrity certifications, and contractor accountability clauses connected to the projects.

It also requested clarification on whether independent structural assessments and material quality tests were conducted before the projects were commissioned.

FENRAD further called for immediate structural integrity tests on the affected buildings to prevent possible threats to the lives of pupils, teachers, and members of the host communities.

The organization also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to commence investigations into the procurement process, project execution, contractor performance, and alleged supervision failures surrounding the projects.

According to FENRAD, any contractor, public official, supervising officer, or individual found culpable in acts of corruption, procurement violations, diversion of public funds, or criminal negligence should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The group maintained that public infrastructure is a constitutional obligation and not a political favor, insisting that every public project must reflect transparency, accountability, durability, and value for money.

FENRAD vowed to continue pursuing lawful accountability measures to ensure justice, transparency, and protection of public resources in Nigeria.