ABUJA, NIGERIA | July 13, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel
The Association of Indigenous Contractors of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has disputed claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that the FCT Administration owes no outstanding debts to contractors, insisting that several indigenous firms are yet to be paid for completed and certified government projects.
In a statement issued on Monday, the association’s Chairman, Adebola Benson Ehuwa, said many contractors have remained unpaid for more than three years despite fulfilling their contractual obligations.
According to the association, the outstanding payments relate to projects that were properly awarded, executed, inspected, certified, and approved in line with government procurement procedures.
The contractors said they had repeatedly drawn the attention of the FCT Administration to the matter through official correspondence, media engagements, and peaceful protests but were yet to receive payment.
The group expressed disappointment over the minister’s recent remarks denying any outstanding debt to contractors, maintaining that its members continue to face severe financial hardship due to the prolonged delay in settling verified obligations.
It further stated that many affected contractors have suffered business closures, loan defaults, mounting debts to suppliers, and job losses as a result of the unpaid contracts.
The association appealed to Minister Wike to direct the immediate settlement of all verified outstanding payments, estimated at ₦5.2 billion, describing the debts as legitimate obligations for projects already completed in the interest of the Federal Capital Territory.
While acknowledging ongoing infrastructure development under the current FCT Administration, the contractors stressed that such achievements should not come at the expense of indigenous firms that have fulfilled their contractual responsibilities.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue with the FCT Administration but vowed to continue seeking redress until all outstanding payments are settled.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Capital Territory Administration had not issued any fresh response to the contractors’ latest claims beyond the minister’s earlier position that the administration does not owe contractors.
Reporting: SUNTV Global Channel
