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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has warned the solid waste management contractors that their contracts would be revoked if they failed to meet the sanitation standards.
He gave the warning during a meeting with 54 recently contracted waste cleaning firms in Abuja over the weekend.
He emphasised the urgency of improving waste management across the Federal Capital and vowed strict oversight. He revealed plans to establish a task force to monitor contractor performance closely, stressing that future payments would depend solely on merit.
“Management of waste is a very difficult job. So, I want to plead with you to see that you are carrying out the assignment for the development of our capital city,” Wike told the contractors. “So, please, help us to keep the city clean. It’s a job that you applied for, nobody forced you. I assure you that your payment is not a problem. Do the job as required and do it very well. There will be no favouritism. Your job is what will speak for you and you must get the job done.”
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He made it clear that the tolerance for poor sanitation was zero, declaring that any contractor with refuse found in his or her designated area risks immediate contract termination. “This will not be business as usual. You must work during the weekend and have a special team to evacuate waste,” he ordered.
The minister also instructed the director of procurement to verify the capacity of companies handling multiple operational zones, rejecting excuses related to equipment failures. “If you are allocated two sites, we will not accept excuses of bad equipment. You cannot go and apply for jobs for two areas when you don’t have the capacity to deliver. We don’t want any area to be left behind. We want everywhere to be clean,” he stated.
He encouraged FCT residents to report on contractors’ performance, assuring that community feedback would influence contract payments. Addressing requests from contractors about payment of eight months’ arrears, he acknowledged some service gaps in areas like Asokoro but pledged that outstanding payments would be made strictly based on demonstrated work done.
Earlier, AMMC Coordinator, Felix Obuah, confirmed that 54 firms were chosen from over 500 applicants to manage waste collection across the FCT.
Representing the contractors, Ibrahim Babayo, thanked the minister for his directive and pledged their dedication to maintaining cleanliness in the capital.
