Tension erupted on Monday at the entrance of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) complex in Area 11, Abuja, as a group of local contractors staged a protest over alleged unpaid debts amounting to ₦5.2 billion.
The aggrieved contractors, who said the arrears had piled up for over two years, accused the administration of neglecting their plight and vowed to continue pressing for payment.
Reacting to the protest, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, insisted that the contractors must first provide evidence that the said contracts were awarded by the current minister.
He explained that upon assumption of office, Wike inherited outstanding debts of about ₦10 billion owed to local contractors for what was termed “shopping” or minor procurement.
“In December 2023, a bill of about ₦10 billion was presented to the minister. He immediately approved and paid over ₦5 billion, and in January 2024, another ₦5 billion was cleared — settling the backlog,” Olayinka stated.
However, he said new claims amounting to over ₦15 billion surfaced just three months later, which the minister questioned.
“How can you claim to have carried out jobs worth over ₦15 billion within three months, without the approval of the minister? From ₦15 billion to ₦8 billion and now ₦5 billion, on whose authority were these contracts awarded? Those are the questions they have to answer first,” he added.
The development has rekindled concerns about transparency and due process in contract approvals within the FCT. While the contractors insist on payment, the minister’s office is demanding accountability over who authorized the projects and whether they passed through proper procurement channels.
As the face-off lingers, Abuja residents are watching closely, given the impact such disputes may have on ongoing and future infrastructural works in the capital city.
✅ Stone Reporters will continue to follow this unfolding matter as contractors and the FCT administration battle over claims and counterclaims of debt and contract approvals.
🔗 Stay updated via Stone Reporters News
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X: @StoneReportNews
Add comment
Comments