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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Association of Indigenous Contractors of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has rejected media reports claiming it is owed a N4 trillion by the FCT Administration, insisting the actual amount is just over N5.2 billion for legitimately executed projects.
In a statement signed by its President, Adebola Benson Ehuwa, the association expressed shock over a story published on a national newspaper’s X handle on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, accompanied by a video. According to the statement, the report largely drew from a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) coverage of a protest by federal contractors at the Federal Secretariat on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Ehuwa, who attended the protest in solidarity with colleagues, described the N4 trillion figure as a gross exaggeration. He said:
“It came as a shock to the association that sections of the media reported, very erroneously, that the association is being owed about N4 trillion by FCTA led by Honorable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike. For the avoidance of doubt and for clarity’s sake, the association hereby reiterates that what is being owed by FCTA is over N5.2 billion and not N4 trillion!”
The association clarified that the N5.2 billion debt relates to “duly awarded, legally procured, properly executed, FCTA-monitored and confirmed sundry public utility jobs, largely in the life of the current FCT Minister’s Administration.” It added that these contracts were awarded by the Minister’s political office appointees, mostly Heads of Secretariats, Agencies, and Departments (SDAs) of FCTA.
Contractors say they have endured over two years of delayed payments, resorted to peaceful protests, faced police teargas, and engaged with the National Assembly, prominent Nigerians, and civil groups—yet no payment has been made.
While reaffirming its respect for the media, the association urged corrections to the erroneous reporting. Ehuwa stated:
“The association values its partnership with the Nigerian Press and does not seek to harm it in any way. Nonetheless, it wishes to correct the error in contract amount.”
The association’s statement comes amid rising concerns over delayed payments to contractors in FCT, highlighting the need for timely fulfillment of government obligations.
