Abuja: The Association of Indigenous Contractors of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has made a formal appeal to FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, urging him to authorize the payment of outstanding certified contracts executed under the National Shopping procurement framework. The appeal was outlined in a statement signed by the association’s Chairman, Mr. Ehuwa Adebola, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the contractors issued this appeal in response to remarks allegedly made by the minister during his monthly media chat on June 1 concerning the awarding of contracts to indigenous contractors within the FCT. Mr. Adebola explained that these contracts were awarded by Mandate Secretaries and heads of agencies, adhering to financial and administrative guidelines set forth in established procurement procedures.
Mr. Adebola highlighted that legal agreements were duly executed between the contractors and the FCTA through relevant legal departments, ensuring that the projects were carried out as specified in the bills of quantities. He emphasized that the projects received certification from the relevant user departments and were submitted for payment processing through the appropriate channels.
Mr. Adebola stated, “The processes required for the award and execution of the contracts under review were duly followed. The projects were completed, certified, and processed for payment. Therefore, the FCTA has a legal obligation to settle the outstanding liabilities.”
He also recalled a circular issued by the minister on June 13, 2024, directing all FCTA departments, secretariats, and agencies to cease using the National Shopping procurement method. The circular aimed to enhance accountability and prevent misuse, though it did not render the procurement method illegal. Following the directive, no new contracts were awarded under this framework, with the focus shifting to processing completed projects for payment.
However, Mr. Adebola alleged that the approval for payment of some completed and certified contracts had yet to be granted. The association insisted that contracts awarded prior to the circular’s issuance should be honored if the projects were completed and certified.
The contractors have engaged in numerous discussions with Mandate Secretaries and agency heads involved in the contract awards and administration to resolve the payment issues. These engagements aimed to facilitate dialogue with the FCT Administration to settle outstanding payments for completed and certified projects.
Mr. Adebola alleged that the suspension of such payments had impacted routine activities such as drainage channel desilting, sewage management, and waste evacuation in parts of the city. He also noted that many contractors have faced financial hardship due to unpaid contracts, resulting in business losses and other socio-economic challenges.
He called on the minister to review outstanding liabilities and authorize payment for all certified projects completed before the discontinuation of the National Shopping procurement method. “We remain committed partners in the development of the FCT and urge the minister to act in the interest of justice and equity,” he stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Wike, during his monthly media chat on June 1, attributed the responsibility for awarding the contracts under review to FCTA directors. The contractors, however, disagreed, asserting that the contracts were awarded and approved by Mandate Secretaries and the Coordinator within their delegated powers. They urged the minister to review police investigation files and official records to establish the actual approving authorities.