A fresh controversy has emerged in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following claims by indigenous contractors that they are being owed more than ₦5.2 billion for projects already executed and delivered, directly contradicting recent assertions by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that the administration is not indebted to contractors.
The contractors, operating under the umbrella of indigenous construction firms in the FCT, described the minister’s declaration as inaccurate and inconsistent with the realities on the ground, insisting that several completed contracts remain unpaid despite fulfilling their contractual obligations.
According to the contractors, the outstanding payments relate to projects that have been duly completed, inspected and handed over to the relevant authorities. They argued that the prolonged delay in settling the certified payments has subjected many indigenous firms to severe financial hardship, threatening their operations, workforce and ability to undertake future public infrastructure projects.
They further maintained that many of the affected contractors relied on bank loans and other financial facilities to execute the contracts in line with government specifications, adding that the continued withholding of payments has resulted in mounting debts, rising interest obligations and the risk of business collapse.
The contractors therefore called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to honour its financial commitments by immediately releasing the outstanding ₦5.2 billion, stressing that prompt payment would not only restore confidence in the government’s procurement process but also safeguard jobs and strengthen the capacity of local contractors contributing to the development of the nation’s capital.
The dispute comes amid ongoing infrastructure expansion across Abuja, where the FCTA has repeatedly highlighted its commitment to delivering critical road, transport and public facility projects. However, the contractors argue that sustaining such development requires timely settlement of contractual obligations to indigenous firms that play a significant role in executing government projects.
The development is expected to intensify calls for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public contracts, as stakeholders urge the FCTA to reconcile its public position with the concerns raised by contractors awaiting payment for completed works.
