CSO Complains Over Stalled NLC Housing Project

A civil society organisation, Vanguard for Good Governance, has raised concerns over an alleged N150 million loan linked to the stalled 2,000-unit Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) housing project in Bassa local government area of Plateau State.

In a statement released by Mark Pam, the leader of the CSO made available to journalists on Thursday, the group complained over the matter involving an architect, Molkat Mutfwang, and a contractor engaged on the housing project, warning that the situation had significantly delayed the delivery of the project.

The group alleged that the dispute arose from a N100 million transaction with an agreed repayment of N150 million which has yet to be settled, thereby hindering the contractor’s ability to mobilise to site.

But reacting, Molkat Mutfwang said the N150 million being referenced was not given to him for any specific project.  He explained that the funds in question were part of broader engagements by a team working on housing developments across several states, stressing that the arrangement was not a personal transaction but a collective initiative.

He further raised concerns over the claims being made against him, questioning whether the individual involved was licensed to operate as a lender or to issue loans with interest. According to him, attempts to portray the transaction as a loan or to criminalise members of the project team are misleading and do not reflect the true nature of their engagement, which he maintained was centered on delivering housing projects.

Mutfwang also said he was ready to provide full clarification on the matter, including documentary evidence to support his position.

He noted that discussions were ongoing and assured that when given the opportunity, he would present all relevant documents to establish the facts and clarify the circumstances surrounding the housing project.

However, the CSO said its position was based on findings from an investigative report published by journalists which detailed the alleged financial dealings and their impact on the housing project.

The group described the development as unacceptable, noting that a project intended to provide affordable housing for workers should not be stalled by unresolved financial dealings.

“We are deeply concerned that a project of this magnitude has remained on paper due to what appears to be a private financial dispute. Plateau people deserve better,” the statement said.

The organisation warned that failure to address the issue could trigger a peaceful protest aimed at demanding accountability and transparency.

It also called for a comprehensive investigation into the fate of the 28 contractors previously linked to the project, many of whom reportedly disengaged under unclear circumstances.

“It is alarming that about 28 contractors have attempted this project without success. This raises serious concerns about possible systemic exploitation and lack of proper oversight,” the organisation stated.

Vanguard for Good Governance further urged anti-corruption agencies to probe the alleged issuance of post-dated cheques said to have been dishonoured as part of efforts to uncover the true nature of the transaction, while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring accountability in public projects.