A coalition of indigenous contractors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has raised serious allegations against the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, accusing him of withholding over ₦5.2 billion in verified contract payments. The group described this situation as “deliberate financial terrorism.”
Speaking during a tense press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman and Coordinator of the Association, Mr. Chuka Muojindu, painted a grim picture of the crisis. He stated that the total amount — ₦5,211,503,589.50 — covered valid contracts completed between September 2023 and May 2024, all during Minister Wike’s tenure.
The contracts, awarded through various Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs) under the FCTA, included works such as drain desilting, sewage excavation, procurement of medical supplies, furniture for public institutions, stationery supply, drilling of boreholes, among others.
According to the contractors, these projects were completed according to specification, inspected, verified, and certified by appropriate FCTA units — yet payments have been stalled, allegedly on direct orders from the Minister.
“We are not politicians. We were not sponsored by anyone. We are professionals who delivered on our contracts. Yet, for nearly two years now, the Minister has refused to sign off on our payments,” said Muojindu.
He explained that their association, which is duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), has contributed significantly to the development of the FCT over the years — across both urban and rural areas.
However, the situation has reportedly driven many of the contractors into crisis. Several members took out bank loans to execute the projects, and now face soaring interest rates, loss of property, family breakdowns, mental health issues, and even death.
“Over five of our members are dead — killed by high blood pressure, depression, and shame,” Muojindu revealed. “These were respectable men who lived responsible lives before being financially strangled by the system they served.”
He also shared a tragic incident involving a pregnant female contractor known to FCTA staff. After visiting the Treasury Department to plead for her payment without success, she reportedly lost her baby. “She came to beg for her money. She wasn’t paid. She left in tears. She lost the baby shortly after. That blood is on someone’s hands,” he said.
One particularly distressing example involved a contractor named Mr. Benson Ehuwa, who sent a tearful WhatsApp message to the Minister, pleading to be paid so his children could return to school. Instead of receiving compassion, “He was arrested, dragged to the Minister’s office, insulted, and handed over to the police. The Minister reportedly ordered that he be prosecuted unless it was proven he didn’t execute any job,” Muojindu recounted.
Although police visited the project sites and confirmed the work had been completed, Ehuwa was still charged in court with “harassing a public official.”
The Association also recalled a peaceful protest staged on August 15, 2024, at the FCTA gate along Kapital Road in Garki. Holding placards, they demanded their dues — but were met with violence. “We didn’t block the road. We didn’t even chant. We just stood with banners. Minutes later, tear gas rained on us. Some of us were injured. We were treated like criminals,” the group recounted. They claimed the police officers told them, off the record, that they were acting on the Minister’s orders.
Despite sending multiple appeals to the Minister, approaching top aides, seeking help from influential Nigerians, and even receiving reported support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — who allegedly directed Wike to settle the debts — no payment has been made. The contractors said the National Assembly has also failed to intervene effectively.
“What crime did we commit? That we did our jobs?” asked Muojindu. “This isn’t just about money anymore. It’s about dignity. It’s about survival. Families are breaking, people are dying, and the Minister is acting like we don’t exist.”
Now, the Association is appealing to President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, religious leaders, labour unions, and civil society organisations to intervene urgently.
“We are not looking for favours. We are only asking to be paid for jobs we were legally contracted to do — jobs already verified. Anything less is wickedness,” the group concluded. #Nyesom Wike#Abuja
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