Residents of Mawogi community in the Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised serious allegations of fund diversion after a Primary Health Care Centre, meant to serve as a vital healthcare facility, was left abandoned and overgrown with weeds. The project, originally funded with ₦11.9 million, has sparked calls for urgent investigation into the management of the funds.

A report by civic tech organisation MonITNG revealed that despite claims that the funds were fully released and all community requirements met, the facility has been neglected. The project was implemented under the Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) framework, which allows communities to manage development projects while government agencies provide only supervision and technical guidance.

In line with the CSDP guidelines, residents of Mawogi contributed materials and labor, including sand, roofing wood, and direct manpower, and opened a dedicated project account at Nisal Microfinance Bank under the Mawogi Community Project Management Committee to ensure transparency.

However, the report alleges that after the funds were disbursed, the Head of Department of Health, Dr. Mansur Ashafa, instructed community committee members to transfer the entire project sum of ₦11,950,061 to a private company, Shamgaj Integrated Service Limited, via an Access Bank account. Community representatives claimed they were pressured and threatened to authorize the transfer in order to access the funds.

Following the transfer, construction reportedly stalled, leaving the health centre incomplete and unused. Residents, who had fulfilled all obligations and made personal sacrifices, are now without the promised healthcare facility.

MonITNG called for urgent intervention from Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, stating:

“Public funds meant for community healthcare must be accounted for. Communities should not be punished for trusting the system. Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Mawogi community deserves answers, accountability, and justice.”

The allegations raise serious concerns about mismanagement of public funds, coercion, and abuse of office by officials responsible for community projects.