FCT Contractors Seek Wike’s Intervention In N5.2bn Debt

Indigenous contractors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have appealed to the FCT minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, to intervene in the payment of over N5.2 billion owed them for executed projects.

The chairman of the contractors’group, Mr Adebola Benson, made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja, where he expressed concerns over delays in payments for projects handled by his members.

Benson said the contractors had invested significant resources in executing projects awarded by the FCT Administration and noted that the delay in payment had created financial difficulties for many members.

According to him, some contractors are reportedly facing personal and financial challenges as a result of the prolonged payment process.

Also speaking, a member of the contractors’ committee, Mr Rufai Mosuwa, said contractors should not encounter difficulties in receiving payment after following due process and executing awarded projects.

He stated that many of the projects had been completed, with completion certificates already submitted, while others were at the final stage of execution.

“Ordinarily, we should not be experiencing delays in payment after fulfilling contractual obligations. We initially believed the situation was temporary, but it has persisted longer than expected,” Mosuwa said.

He added that the group had written to several authorities seeking intervention, including President Bola Tinubu, the senator representing the FCT, Senator Ireti Kingibe, and relevant committees of the National Assembly, without receiving any formal response.

Mosuwa also said petitions had been submitted to security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as to the Senate President and the Inspector-General of Police, but noted that the group was yet to receive feedback.

He said some of the projects were completed nearly three years ago and appealed to the minister to take steps to resolve the matter.

A member of the Board of Trustees of the contractors, Mr Martins Ezendu, also spoke on the effects of the payment delay, saying several members were experiencing health and financial pressures.

According to him, some contractors are facing loan recovery actions by banks, while others are struggling to meet basic obligations, including rent and school fees.

Ezendu appealed to the FCT Administration to address the contractors’ concerns promptly, noting that continued delays could further affect members of the group.

Efforts to obtain a response from the FCT Administration were unsuccessful as of press time.