The Federal Government of Nigeria has moved to address the concerns of road contractors, assuring them that all outstanding payments will be cleared before December 20, 2025. This comes after days of protests by contractors over mounting debts and stalled project financing. Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the assurance during the reopening of the repaired Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State, stating that President Bola Tinubu had acknowledged the debt backlog and approved the constitution of a special committee to verify and settle all outstanding claims.
Contractors handling federal road projects had staged protests at the Ministry of Finance, alleging prolonged non-payment for completed and ongoing works. The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria claimed that the Federal Government owes contractors about N4 trillion, and is specifically demanding the release of N760 billion, which the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, had earlier pledged to pay in September.
Umahi responded to the concerns, stating that protests were no longer necessary, as President Tinubu had directed that all verified debts be paid within days. He added that some contractors, including China Harbour Engineering Company, would be captured in the upcoming disbursement. The minister also disclosed that the ministry had formally invited the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to audit all ongoing and completed federal road projects across the country.
The move aims to enhance transparency, restore public confidence, and ensure that payments reflect actual work done. The government is also introducing an online platform for real-time monitoring of project status, allowing citizens to track progress and raise concerns. During the reopening of the Keffi Flyover, Umahi commended the swift response of the President, revealing that the funds for the emergency works were released within 24 hours of the incident.
The repaired flyover, an essential link between Abuja and Nasarawa, required reconstruction of the beam, parapet, and walkway, alongside the installation of a new gantry crash-prevention system. Technical officials confirmed that the structure was now ready for public use, with safety systems already stopping attempted truck collisions. Umahi defended the pace of work on the Abujaā€“Kano Road, describing recent public criticism as unfair, and reiterated his commitment to quality and transparency.
The government’s efforts to address the concerns of road contractors and enhance transparency in the sector are significant steps towards achieving durable roads and better cost efficiency in Nigeria. With the introduction of an online platform for real-time monitoring and the auditing of projects, the government aims to restore public confidence and ensure that payments reflect actual work done. The payment of outstanding debts to contractors is expected to be completed before December 20, 2025, bringing relief to the affected parties and paving the way for the completion of ongoing projects.
