A coalition of civil society organisations has called on Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, to release funds under the 2025 capital budget to indigenous contractors. The Coalition for Equity in Public Contracts (CEPC) welcomed a recent resolution brokered by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, to address delayed payments to contractors. However, the group emphasized that immediate action is necessary to translate words into tangible results.
The coalition’s Convener, Dr. Salisu Garba, noted that indigenous contractors have executed projects across the country in good faith, trusting that the government will honour its obligations under the Appropriation Act. Despite this, many contractors are struggling to repay loans taken to finance these projects due to delayed payments. The CEPC warned that persistent neglect of indigenous contractors would undermine confidence in government processes and deepen economic hardship.
Indigenous contractors play a crucial role in infrastructure delivery and job creation in Nigeria. The coalition argued that delaying payments to these contractors would have far-reaching consequences, including job losses and shortchanging communities. The group emphasized that the capital budget is essential for Nigeria’s development and that selective application of budgetary provisions is unacceptable.
The National Assembly has been reminded of its oversight responsibility, and the coalition warned that Nigerians will hold the legislature accountable if the agreements brokered by the Deputy Speaker collapse. The group also cautioned that the ripple effects of delayed payments to contractors would be felt in the broader economy, with banks already tightening credit to indigenous firms.
The CEPC urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that his administration’s pledge of fiscal discipline is reinforced by swift action from the Finance Minister and the Accountant General. The group argued that respecting lawful obligations to citizens is essential for reforming the economy and winning trust from citizens and investors. As the 2025 fiscal year progresses, the credibility of both the executive and legislature is on the line, with contractors, civil society, and ordinary Nigerians waiting for evidence that government promises will be matched by decisive action.