Senate Gives FG One Week to Explain Unpaid Contractors’ Debts

The Nigerian Senate is intensifying efforts to resolve the long-standing issue of unpaid debts owed to contractors by the federal government. In a decisive move, the upper legislative chamber has established a six-member committee tasked with engaging the Ministry of Finance to obtain a clear explanation and details of the government's strategy for settling these outstanding obligations.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the committee's formation during a plenary session, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. The panel, chaired by Senator Sani Musa, has been given a strict one-week deadline to submit its findings. These findings are expected to outline the federal government's efforts to reimburse contractors for capital projects completed across the country.

The Senate's intervention underscores the growing concern over the significant impact of delayed payments on contractors' operations and the timely completion of critical infrastructure projects. Many contractors have voiced frustration, citing increased costs and operational challenges due to the prolonged non-payment of their entitlements. The Senate's proactive stance signals a determination to achieve clarity and ensure that measures are taken to address the backlog of payments, potentially providing much-needed relief and stimulating economic activity.

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If you are not paying contractors, you are not doing anything. We have to pay them.