FCT Contractors Petition APC Leadership Over Unpaid ₦5.2 Billion Debt

A group of local contractors operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has escalated its ongoing payment dispute with the FCT Administration by petitioning the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The association is seeking the party’s intervention to compel FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to settle approximately ₦5.2 billion in outstanding contract debts.

Under the banner of the Association of Indigenous Contractors of FCT, the group submitted a formal petition on Thursday. In the document, the contractors asserted that they have completed, verified, and received official certification for various public utility and welfare projects. They claim that despite fulfilling these obligations over the past three years, their payments remain withheld.

Adebola Benson Ehuwa, the association’s chairman, stated that the contractors have exhausted all other channels, including appeals to the National Assembly, the police, and the Department of State Services, as well as publishing open letters and holding public demonstrations. The association decided to involve the APC leadership, viewing them as the party responsible for the current administration and therefore possessing the political leverage to resolve the impasse.

“We believe your office has the political weight to ensure FCTA settles legitimate debts owed to Nigerian citizens who delivered value to government,” the petition stated.

During the presentation of the petition, the group firmly rejected characterizations that their actions are politically motivated. Ehuwa emphasized that they are business owners facing severe financial distress, including mounting bank debts, the collapse of their enterprises, and significant job losses among their staff.

He challenged the Minister to verify the status of the contracts through his own Mandate Secretaries, who had previously certified the projects for payment.

The contractors maintained that the work was awarded in accordance with established procurement guidelines and that all technical requirements had been met. They are now urging the ruling party to facilitate a swift resolution to the debt, warning that the continued financial strain is having a devastating impact on the livelihoods of their members and their families.