By SUNTV Global Channel | June 28, 2026
A group of indigenous contractors working with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has accused the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, of confronting and insulting them during a protest over the alleged non-payment of completed contracts.
The contractors, who staged a demonstration at the entrance of the FCTA headquarters in Abuja, said they have been waiting for payment for projects completed nearly three years ago. They claimed the prolonged delay has left many of them heavily indebted, with some allegedly battling serious health and financial challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Adebola Benson-Ihua alleged that the contractors were first dispersed with tear gas on Tuesday before returning the following day to continue their peaceful protest.
According to Benson-Ihua, Minister Wike stopped briefly as he arrived at the FCTA headquarters but allegedly accused the protesters of being politicians hired to tarnish his image instead of listening to their grievances.
He recounted that an elderly contractor challenged the minister, insisting he had no political motive and was simply demanding payment for a completed contract worth between ₦50 million and ₦70 million, which he said had remained unpaid for about three years.
The elderly contractor reportedly told the minister that he had borrowed money just to travel to Abuja for the protest, explaining that he urgently needed the funds to settle debts, pay medical bills, and support his family.
Benson-Ihua further alleged that when another contractor greeted the minister, he was told to “shut up.” He also claimed another protester attempted to calm the situation by referring to the minister as “our brother,” but Wike allegedly responded that he was “not anybody’s brother.”
The contractors insisted their protest was not politically motivated but solely aimed at recovering money they claim is owed to them for completed government projects.
They appealed to the Federal Government and relevant authorities to intervene, warning that the prolonged delay in payment has pushed many contractors into severe financial hardship, with some allegedly contemplating suicide due to mounting debts owed to banks and private lenders.
As of the time of filing this report, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory had not publicly responded to the contractors’ allegations.
