By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Umuahia, Abia State — The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has called on the Abia State Government to provide a transparent breakdown of the reported ₦54.07 billion spent on retrofitting and rebuilding public schools during the 2024 fiscal year.
In a statement signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director, and Barr. Femisi Akande, Head of Corporate Accountability and Anti-Corruption, the group described the spending figure as “deeply questionable” given the “widespread infrastructural decay” still plaguing public schools across the state.
Contradictions Exposed by Spot Checks
FENRAD disclosed that it carried out spot assessments in several schools across Umuahia, Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma, Ukwa West, Ukwa East, and Ikwuano LGAs. According to the organization, findings revealed:
- Schools with leaking roofs, broken furniture, and unsafe classrooms.
- Supposed “beneficiary” schools with no visible signs of renovation.
- Absence of contractor signages, making project verification difficult.
FENRAD confirmed that photographic and documented evidence is being compiled for public presentation and oversight submission.
Freedom of Information (FOI) Request
The group has formally filed an FOI request with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, seeking:
- A breakdown of all renovated or rebuilt schools and their locations.
- Contract award details, including costs, company names, and scopes of work.
- Monitoring and evaluation evidence such as completion certificates and payment records.
- Documentation of teacher recruitment and classroom support tied to the ₦54 billion.
It reminded the Ministry that the FOI Act, 2011, compels a response within seven working days.
Address the Message, Not the Messenger
FENRAD further cautioned the state government against dismissing its intervention as political:
“We urge the Governor to address the message, not the messenger. Transparency is not an attack—it is a necessary component of good governance,”
Comrade Nwafor stressed.
The group warned that if the government fails to provide clarity, it will escalate the matter through legal and civic channels, including anti-corruption agency petitions and public interest litigation.
Next Steps
FENRAD announced that its preliminary spot assessment report will be made public in the coming days, alongside a public accountability forum with civil society partners and education stakeholders. It also called on the Abia State House of Assembly to investigate the spending and ensure fiscal discipline.
This story was first reported by Newspot Nigeria.
Full Statement by FENRAD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17th August 2025
₦54 Billion Education Spend: FENRAD Calls for Transparency, Demands Governor Otti Address the Message, Not the Messenger
Umuahia, Abia State | August 17, 2025 — The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) An Environmental & Anti corruption organization has once again raised alarm over the controversial ₦54.07 billion reportedly expended by the Abia State Government on the retrofitting and rebuilding of public schools in the 2024 fiscal year.
FENRAD, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor and Barr Femisi Akande Head corporate Accountability and Anti corruption, described the figure as deeply questionable and lacking in transparency, given the widespread infrastructural decay that still characterizes many public schools across the state.
“It is not enough for the government to throw figures at the public,”
said Comrade Nwafor.
“What the people demand—and deserve—is clarity, accountability, and verifiable evidence of impact. ₦54 billion is not an invisible sum.”
Spot Assessment Reveals Stark Contradictions
In response to the government’s claim, FENRAD conducted an independent spot assessment of several public schools across Umuahia, Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma, Ukwa West, Ukwa East LGA. Ikwuano, among others. The findings were disturbing:
Numerous schools visited still suffer from leaking roofs, broken furniture, uncompleted classrooms, and unsafe learning environments.
In some locations, no trace of renovation or construction work was found, despite being listed by local education authorities as “beneficiaries” of the supposed upgrades.
In other areas, contractor signage was missing, making verification of project handlers or timelines impossible.
Photographic and documented evidence from these visits is being compiled for public presentation and submission to relevant oversight bodies.
“What we saw on the ground is at variance with what was announced in the media. Abians cannot be gaslit. If ₦54 billion was spent, we want to see the schools, the contracts, and the results,”
FENRAD stated.
FOI Request Filed; Public Has Right to Know
FENRAD has formally submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, requesting:
- A breakdown of all schools renovated or rebuilt, including their names and locations.
- The specific cost of each project and contract award details, including company names and scopes of work.
- Evidence of monitoring and evaluation, including completion certificates and payment records.
- Documentation of teacher recruitment, classroom equipment, or other supporting investments tied to the ₦54 billion spend.
The organization reminds the Ministry that the FOI Act, 2011, mandates a response within seven working days.
Address the Message, Not the Messenger
FENRAD also cautioned the Abia State Government against attempting to politicize or dismiss calls for accountability, reiterating that citizen advocacy is a democratic right and not an act of opposition.
“We urge the Governor to address the message, not the messenger. Transparency is not an attack—it is a necessary component of good governance,”
Comrade Nwafor emphasized.
FENRAD warns that if the government fails to provide a detailed and honest account of how ₦54 billion was spent, the organization will escalate the matter through appropriate legal and civic channels, including petitions to anti-corruption agencies and public interest litigation.
Next Steps
FENRAD will release its preliminary spot assessment report to the public in the coming days.
The organization plans to collaborate with other civil society partners, education stakeholders, and community watchdogs to hold a public accountability forum on the matter.
It also calls on the Abia State House of Assembly to look into the alleged spending irregularities and address Executive fiscal indiscipline and reckless spending of tax payers money.
Media Contact:
FENRAD Nigeria
Attn: Media and Policy Advocacy Unit
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +234 (0)8033383708, 07062949232.
Website: www.fenrad.org.ng
About FENRAD
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development is a non-governmental, non-partisan organization committed to promoting environmental justice, democratic accountability, and community development through advocacy, research, and civic engagement.
