FCT Minister Denies Awarding N5 Billion Contract to Local Contractors

The  Minister Of the Federal capital territory Nyesom Wike has denied awarding any contracts worth N5 billion to local contractors, challenging those promoting the allegation to produce documentary evidence of such approvals. 

In a statement issued by his aide on public communications and social media, Lere Olayinka, Wike  emphasized that no contracts were sanctioned under his administration for the disputed works, which have been labeled as “Shopping” or Minor Procurement. 

The controversy stems from claims by local contractors seeking payment for purported jobs, but the minister insists that any legitimate documentation proving his involvement should be made public to substantiate the accusations.

The issue dates back to December 2023, shortly after Wike assumed office, when a bill exceeding N10 billion was presented for outstanding payments on pre-existing minor procurement jobs.

Recognizing the backlog from previous administrations, Wike approved an immediate payment of over N5 billion that same month. This was followed by another disbursement exceeding N5 billion in January 2024,  clearing the entire N10 billion-plus debt and settling all verified obligations at the time.

However, just three months later, in April 2024, a new bill surpassing N15 billion was submitted for additional works under the same minor procurement category. 

Wike raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of these claims, questioning how such a massive volume of jobs valued at over N15 billion could have been executed within such a short timeframe without his  approval. 

The FCT Administration urged stakeholders and contractors involved  to provide clear evidence,   maintaining that no further payments will proceed until these inconsistencies are resolved.