Special Report: Where Did the Community Development Fund Actually Go?

Three years ago, the local council announced a ₦300 million community development fund, earmarked for small infrastructure projects nominated by ward committees. This newspaper spent four months reviewing available spending records, ward committee minutes, and site visits to accounted-for projects.

Of the 22 projects listed in the original fund allocation, our reporters were able to confirm completion of nine. Six others were partially built and abandoned. Seven could not be located at all, despite matching addresses provided in council records.

Council officials did not respond to three separate requests for comment on the discrepancy. Ward committee members interviewed for this report described a process where funds were released before project plans were finalised, with limited follow-up monitoring.

This newspaper is publishing the full project list and our findings, ward by ward, and will continue to update this report as officials respond.