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 pledge follows 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, noting that President Bola Tinubu had acknowledged the debt backlog and approved the formation 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 the federal government owes contractors about N4 trillion and specifically demanded the release of N760 billion, which Finance Minister Wale Edun had pledged to pay in September. Umahi responded that protests were no longer necessary because President Tinubu had directed that all verified debts be paid within days. He added that some contractors, including China Harbour Engineering Company, would be included 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. This move aims to enhance transparency, restore public confidence, and ensure that payments reflect actual work done. Additionally, the government is introducing an online platform for real‑time monitoring of project status, allowing citizens to track progress and raise concerns.
During the Keffi Flyover reopening, Umahi praised the President’s swift response, revealing that 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, as well as the installation of a new gantry crash‑prevention system. Technical officials confirmed that the structure is now ready for public use, with safety systems already preventing attempted truck collisions.
Umahi defended the pace of work on the Abuja–Kano Road, describing recent public criticism as unfair, and reiterated his commitment to quality and transparency. The government’s efforts to address contractors’ concerns and improve sector transparency are significant steps toward durable roads and better cost efficiency in Nigeria. With the online monitoring platform and project audits, the administration aims to restore public confidence and ensure that payments correspond to actual work completed. The payment of outstanding debts to contractors is expected to be completed before December 20, 2025, bringing relief to affected parties and paving the way for the completion of ongoing projects.
Comments are closed for this story.