By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Tension is brewing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as indigenous contractors have threatened to shut down major roads in Abuja this week over alleged non-payment of contract fees spanning nearly ten months.
The disgruntled contractors; mostly local firms responsible for essential public services such as street cleaning, lighting, security, and infrastructure maintenance, accuse the FCT Administration (FCTA) of withholding payments for projects that have already been completed and certified.
At a strategic meeting held in Abuja over the weekend, the contractors resolved to embark on a large-scale protest, citing the FCTA’s continued silence despite multiple appeals and submission of job completion documents.
“We’ve borrowed heavily to execute these contracts. Banks are after us, and our workers haven’t been paid since September last year,” one contractor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented. “The FCTA is holding on to our money while we drown in debt.”
Concerns about the impact of the stalled payments are growing beyond the contractors.
Stella Onoja, a community leader in Gwarinpa, warned that the breakdown of street lighting across the city is fuelling insecurity.
“Criminals are taking advantage of the darkness. Our women are no longer safe commuting after 7 p.m.,” she said, referring to an uptick in “one-chance” robberies and nighttime assaults.
Another contractor noted that the planned protest comes at a time when public dissatisfaction with the FCTA is already high.
“These maintenance contracts affect daily life and public safety. It’s unacceptable that companies keeping the city running haven’t been paid,” he said.
As Abuja braces for possible road closures, residents and stakeholders are urging urgent intervention to prevent further disruption and address the contractors’ grievances.
