By Muhammad Mamman
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come under intense criticism following allegations that the FCT Administration is withholding payments amounting to ₦5.2 billion owed to contractors handling various projects in Abuja.
The accusations surfaced on Monday after a group of aggrieved contractors staged a protest, demanding the immediate release of funds for completed and ongoing projects across the territory. The contractors, who gathered at the FCTA Secretariat, carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, insisting that the delayed payments were jeopardising their businesses and stalling critical infrastructure work.
Speaking during the demonstration, some contractors claimed they had completed substantial portions of their contracts but had not received payment despite submitting all necessary documentation. Several others alleged that the prolonged delay had forced them to take loans at high interest rates, pushing many firms to the brink of collapse.
According to reports shared via Politics Nigeria, the protesters accused the minister of refusing to approve the release of the ₦5.2bn earmarked for payment, despite previous assurances from FCTA officials. They argued that the situation was undermining the administration’s stated commitment to infrastructure renewal and economic growth in the capital.
While the FCT Administration has yet to issue an official response, sources within the ministry suggested that the delays may be tied to ongoing verification of completed works and financial audits aimed at curbing inflated claims and ensuring accountability in project execution.
The protest adds to growing pressure on Minister Wike, who has faced recent scrutiny over contract awards, procurement processes and the pace of project delivery in the FCT.
Contractors have vowed to continue their demonstrations until the outstanding funds are released, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent further disruption to key development projects in the nation’s capital.
