Isiraojie Calls for End to Constituency Projects, Urges Nigerian Legislators to Refocus on Oversight

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Abuja, Nigeria | April 26, 2026

A policy advocacy document authored by Dcn. Comr. L.I. Isiraojie has called on federal and state legislators in Nigeria to immediately withdraw from the execution of constituency projects and concentrate on their constitutional responsibilities of representation, lawmaking, and oversight.

The document, addressed to the leadership of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, raises concerns over what it describes as a growing trend of lawmakers engaging directly in the provision of small-scale infrastructure and welfare interventions within their constituencies.

It notes that such practices—ranging from the construction of boreholes and renovation of classrooms to the distribution of tricycles and other items—represent a deviation from the core functions assigned to the Legislature under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

According to the advocacy, the responsibility for executing development projects lies with the Executive arm of government, while the Legislature is constitutionally mandated to make laws, represent citizens, and ensure accountability through effective oversight of government activities.

The document highlights concerns about transparency and accountability in legislator-driven projects, stating that many such interventions are carried out outside established procurement and monitoring frameworks. It argues that this creates gaps in supervision and weakens institutional checks on public spending.

It further identifies a potential conflict of roles, noting that lawmakers who directly engage in project execution may be constrained in their ability to objectively scrutinize ministries, departments, and agencies responsible for similar functions. This overlap, it adds, could undermine the effectiveness of legislative oversight.

In addition, the advocacy raises concerns about development planning, suggesting that uncoordinated constituency projects may not align with broader government strategies, thereby affecting long-term infrastructure and service delivery outcomes.

Among its recommendations, the document calls for the discontinuation of all legislator-led physical projects and the removal of budgetary allocations tied to constituency or zonal intervention initiatives. It proposes that such funds be administered by relevant executive agencies, subject to legislative approval and monitoring.

The document also urges lawmakers to strengthen oversight activities by intensifying scrutiny of government expenditures, reviewing procurement processes, and conducting regular inspections of public projects.

Furthermore, it recommends the introduction of legislation to prohibit lawmakers from directly handling funds or contracts related to capital projects, describing such a measure as necessary to reinforce institutional boundaries and promote accountability.

The advocacy concludes by calling for a shift in public expectations, urging citizens to evaluate elected representatives based on their performance in legislative duties rather than the delivery of localized material benefits.

Isiraojie, writing from Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, positions the document as a direct civic demand for institutional reform within Nigeria’s governance framework.