House of Reps to probe Chinese tech giant over non-functioning CCTV

The House of Representatives has resolved to probe Chinese firm, ZTE Corporation, for failing to complete the terms of a $470 million contract for the installation of CCTV cameras in Abuja and Lagos, which was awarded back in 2010.

The Lower Chamber stated that the company had been contracted to install 2,000 digital solar-powered cameras (1,000 each for Lagos and Abuja), 37 switch rooms, MW backbone, 37 coalition emergency response systems, 38 video conference sub-systems. 37 e-police systems, 6 emergency communication vehicles and 1.5 million subscription lines.

Noting that the absence of critical infrastructure was limiting intelligence gathering, the House resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the award and subsequent non-completion of the contract, at the same time urging all state governments to ensure that they reactivate or install CCTV cameras in all state capitals and major cities.

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“By the contractual terms, Nigeria was required to make a down payment of 15 per cent, amounting to about $70.5 million, while the Chinese EXIM bank was to provide the remaining 85 per cent amounting to $399.5 million, which Nigeria was required to repay on a three per cent interest rate within ten years at prevailing exhange rate,” the motion read.

Speaking on the motion, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, House Majority Leader, said, “The House has to pay more attention to matters that affect Nigeria, particularly on security. This motion is about due process, there is need to find out how this contract was signed, and why the cameras are not working.”